Our streets explode in wrenching pain,
exposed upon a worldwide stage.
Our voices cry, it seems in vain,
and words are filled with growing rage.

Some come in fury, some in peace,
all begging that they’d find a voice,
to lead us through this blackened eve,
and give us yet another choice.

Our lives unravel day by day,
to yet another man-made plague,
and with each morning’s cold embrace,
we brace against the fear and hate.

Divided nation, yet we stand,
along our aged battle lines, 
but those yet wise within our land,
still pray for hope and peaceful times.