The Abdication of Our Young

A Villanelle

What have we done, a dereliction of duty, pain and sorrow fill their lungs

We supposed adults gave them up a long time ago

The abdication of our young

We were to be their caretakers, but we speak with forked tongues

We are now reaping what we have sowed

What have we done, a dereliction of duty, pain and sorrow fill their lungs

Now the adults mock them, attack them like modern day Pharisees, in the name of the Father and Son

Self righteous individuals, vindictiveness all aglow

The abdication of our young

Have we stopped caring, is this the new Vietnam, their survival unsung?

Send them into places where bodies may lay bare, riddled with ammo?

What have we done, a dereliction of duty, pain and sorrow fill their lungs

More shootings have occurred, more young have died, the Grim Reaper’s job is done

Its time to stop the supposed “good guys” with their demented Second Amendment tableau

The abdication of our young

Bless the beasts and the children, much more needs to be done

All that will be left are their shadows

What have we done, a dereliction of duty, pain and sorrow fill their lungs

The abdication of our young