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