Another Mass Killing

Another shooting.
Another senseless act.
Another grieving family.
Another grieving friend.
Tomorrow: we learn
the names of victims.
We  know what to do.
Flowers, ribbons, candles,
novena cards, and photos
appear on the sidewalk.

Next week we'll watch funerals
on television and listen
to people of the cloth.'
We're no longer innocent.
We no longer think we're safe.
Pray for those killed.
Pray for those maimed.
Pray for the families left
with missing pieces.
Pray for us.

Everyone.


4th Day of Advent