Another part of my community has slipped
away.
A story which seems for many just another
day.
It happens much too often and each part
really matters,
And for family and friends their life
shatters.
I speak of the senseless violence which
injures and often kills.
It seems to grow worse and the peace of the
community it steals.
Each event is reported in the daily news,
But before it sinks in another event and
another life we lose.
How do we curtail this evil which chips away
at our cities?
We must do more than just form committees.
When did human life become so expendable?
Is this rein of senseless violence even
mendable?
The problem is not a simple one to fix.
Its causes are numerous and of variable mix.
Drugs and gangs may top the list of blame
But no matter the cause this violence is a
shame.
Do we now have a culture where the value of
life is so cheap
Where killing and violence is what we reap?
Body bags conceal the results of a wasted
life,
Makes no matter whether taken by a gun or
knife.
Part of my community sadly seems to be
slipping away.
©Kent Fletcher
April 2016
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
