Another mass shooting has
Caused the deaths of twenty-six people.
This time the atrocity
Occurred under a church's steeple--

Not in a major city, but
In a small Texan community,
Showing that death from firearms here
Is an equal opportunity.

If four or more people shot
Or killed at a certain time and place
Defines mass shootings, then here they are
Happening at an alarming pace.

Three hundred seven mass shootings
Have taken place so far this year,
According to one report.
One thing's definitely clear:

Gun violence is out of control.
Acknowledging that is how one starts
To deal with a scary situation
That people think is off the charts.

When some want to discuss the matter,
There goes an altercation
As others accuse them of trying to
Politicize a situation--

Politicize a tragedy.
But frankly, when all is said and done,
Like it or not, the issue of gun
Violence IS a political one!

It would help if our leadership
Would deal with the problem directly and not
Placate donors and lobbyists
Whose self-serving baloney they've bought.

All countries have mental health
Problems; we’re not the only ones,
Says the president. So the problem
Is mental illness and NOT guns.

In all countries, mental health
Issues exist. No disputing.
But other countries do not have
The problem of shooting after shooting.

Thoughts and prayers for all affected
Certainly have a role to play.
But the bigger issue is something
That can't be simply prayed away.

-by Bob B (11-6-17)