Garden of Lost Opportunities

 


Barren branches on battered trees
collars tight against Winter's breeze
chairs in rows huddled 'neath a tent
await arrival of coffin sent

placed on ground and hung on fence
pretty dolls in remembrance
flowers, ribbons in colors bold
they tell results of his lost soul

a fifteenth year forgotten son
an angry boy with stolen gun
triggers an errant bullet out
that ends the life of one without
a way to leave dangerous streets
while all we do is stand and preach

a little girl, eight Autumn's old
lies in street with body cold
sent off to school on sunny day
and now no longer will she play

a mother's tears now wet the earth
as she's laid beneath the turf
friends and relatives gathered round
to share their grief on hallowed ground

and what's the cause, you ask of me
response I give,......our apathy
for if we truly gave a damn
shoulder to shoulder we'd demand
to have our streets again to be
a place where they walk worry free

until that day arrives I fear
other mothers will shed their tears
not only for a daughter lost
but also for her son's cost




***Author's Note:

"Honest Critique" was chosen for comments, due to honest outrage not being an option.

Please limit your comments to reflections on the subject matter only, and not presentation.

Due to the author's feelings, no replies will be given.