She sat
silently in the ER waiting for news from her
son
Earlier that day he had become victim of a
gun
Shot in the chest during a gang
confrontation
He has a life threatening injury – a serious
situation
How did this happen; is it as bad as it
seems
She keeps praying that it is all a bad dream
She fears opening her eyes thinking that
will make it real
This horrible event initiated from a cold
piece of steel
In her own world she sits and she waits
Realizing the situation is one of dire
straits
Every sound she hears seems distinctive and
loud
Combined with movements seem if she’s in a
cloud
Suddenly the opening doors break her trance
A figure in green scrubs starts to advance
The expression on his face is not one of joy
As he delivers the news “I’m sorry Mam I
couldn’t save your boy”
A similar scenario plays out each day
Upon our youth violence is decay
It robs innocence, confidence and substance
from their soul
We must get this beast under control.
© Kent Fletcher April 13, 2009
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kent Fletcher retired as Deputy Chief of the Durham NC
Police Dept. He served with that department for 301/2 years. He is a graduate
of the 162nd session of the FBI National Academy and has an AA and BS degree in
Justice Administration from Guilford College. Writing short stories and poetry
has become a part-time hobby. He can be reached at
hkfletcher@nc.rr.com
