Now Is Not The Time

    

                                                     

When can we discuss it?

the 'it' of senseless dying

The 'it' of crazed of leaders;

of rabid politicians. 

When will it be appropriate 

to talk of children killed

in classes

in everyday happenings,

napping in their own cribs

sitting in a movie,

walking down the street.

Going to work everyday, 

kissing their wives 

hugging their mothers

unaware of the finality 

of that act.

When will it appropriate

to talk about common sense

to mourn our loved ones

before our next loved ones

prepare themselves 

to be mourned.

When will it be appropriate,

perhaps after the next

Sandy Hook

or Chattanooga;

the next Emmanuel, 

the next Aurora or Lafayette.

When will it be appropriate

to ask the hard questions;

about racism, xenophobia 

sexism and hate.

When will it be appropriate

to remove the symbols

of pain and memorials

to death

When can we lift the

torch of freedom

and the blindfold

of injustice

so that all may

walk head high

hand in hand

in peace

It is said that this is not the

time; that it is time for prayer,

for coming together,

grieve with the families

but not the time

to prevent 

the next time. 

to stop the next

inappropriate time 

Ramón Piñero

© 7/25/2015