We hear daily of the tragedies of our youth being slain,

How some turn to suicide to medicate their pain,

But are we taking a stand to intervene with this violence?

Or just turning our heads, choosing to be silent?

How often do we watch them being bullied in school?

The lack of discipline at home, the disregard for the rules,

Our police officers and teachers are made into villains,

Trading discipline and order for guns and killing,

The value of education is being reduced to a sentence,

Prison is the educator; there is no will for repentance,

Social media is being utilized to post videos of brutality,

People laughing and sharing as if it's a normality,

Are we not disgusted by such acts of violence?

No reprimands for abuse, just us choosing to stay silent,

How long will we sit on the sidelines of destruction?

Hoping violence decreases, but not aiding in its reduction,

Instead of condemning our youth for their disobedient ways,

Let’s lead by example in what we do and not say!

We must take a stand and refuse to remain silent,

Let’s join forces with our youth and stand against violence!