So much violence so much lamenting
Tearing of proverbial cloth the words we always hear
When we face loss after loss terrorism
Suspects being arrested kudos to the police
Undoubtedly heroes and even a vigilante saving lives
There'll be TV-movies, probably Americana loves
To reenact tragedy "we have to redouble our efforts to do
What the government will not" we need to have the experts
On our most trusted television programs analysts offering
Perspectives on what has no reasonable explanation
I had a cab driver ask me only yesterday if I believed in evil
It was a question that should've garnered some hesitation
Considering the kind of person I try to be extremism always
Must have a motivation so we can learn and try to do better
Global targeting global hate what is different about this
Is they're saying there were "foreign interlopers" pulling strings
1600 incidents in Australia this year alone hate crimes against
A shattered shatz community who's behind it was it a
Coordinated attack 40 wounded souls just one response
Is appropriate on this, the first night of Hanukkah - a celebration
Of light, and the recommendation from law enforcement seems
To prevail: cancel gatherings, don't be in crowds, be careful or
Make sure you have high security in place, armed guards, know
The path to exit in emergency coordinate coordinate schematics
Entry/exits, venues must have, in light of all of this yes:
Extra protective presence the culture is going to have to change
My cousins taking their finals I wonder head-shaking how I will
In mere moments, translate "Happy Hannukkahs" into apologies
---
And I think about Brown and the students, the learning that will
Be on perpetual pause as the lessons we can never seem to
Master boil underneath each anxious parent's desperate urge
To know, and to be sure, their child is not among the collective
Loss after loss, woe upon woe what can we do or think or know
Takeaways from tragedies are not luxuries the directly affected
Can muster anytime soon but let tonight's candle-lighting
Be a healing salve of some kind angels gather, violas bloom
