Respect for the ones cupboard cuddled
holding onto their breath as their life depended on it.
Pigtails and plaid skirts twisted into metal detectors and security guards
as the pendulum lunges to a halt.
Sugar coating the evil acts not even monsters fantasize of
with mental health and depression.

Respect for the ones already accused
based on the color of their skin and background.
Sworn to serve and protect
cowardly hiding behind their shield.
We watch as the blazing fire of bullets rain down
with discrimination to where they lodge.

We are so caught up in heroic violence to think beyond them
to find heroic peace.