Now is the time

Valentine’s Day A day of love and roses. When shots stuttered through halls and classrooms. Parkland parents, siblings, Students, teachers, Husbands, wives Are on their knees In tears of grief Frustration, anger. “We are in pain Save the next school, the next town The next movie house or concert From our grief and loss. We beg you To make This time The time for action.” “Not now!” says Ryan. “Too soon …” Echoing the voice of Congress after Columbine, Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech Aurora, Orlando, Sutherland Springs, Aztec … Many of those survivors Now dedicating their lives Trying to reach uncaring ears, Shouting “Now is the time.” For our leaders It will never be the time. We are always outshouted By their need For gun support and money. In our country Unjustifiable assault rifles Have become a symbol of sickness On social media post manifestos By those on the fringe Who wish to become infamous. There will always be mental illness. There need not always be access to rifles Which destroy untold lives in one sweep. We are the only country Where so many of our own Are killed by guns. Not just on city streets But in our schools, shops, theatres. We are raising children Who need our guarantee That they can go to school Without fear. We need our Congress To take action To assure us that Our children will come home Unharmed each and every day. No matter how loud we shout The ears that could bring change Are deaf to us. What will it take For them to become parents Instead of politicians, To make them stand up And follow the right path Without gun money? Must our lawmakers Have to lose their own Children and grandchildren Before their ears open And hear our pleas. Prayers and flowers Will not help us Prevent the next attack. Trump’s words of sympathy Do not mention the rifle That made this tragedy possible, Nor did we hear him say “Now is the time.”

Barbara Berkenfield is a freelance writer and published poet who lives in Santa Fe.