Is it possible this evil
that feeds on humanity
has roots so deep
intertwined and invasive
new laws and armed guards
won’t defeat it?
Burn the leaves. Go ahead.
And chop up the branches
but until you rip out the roots
they’ll wind down gutters
and push through cracks:
malignant, poisonous
insanity.
Pass laws
arm the guards
burn the leaves
chop the branches
but ignore the roots
at our peril.
Insanity is among us
and coming soon
armed and soulless
to a synagogue
a mosque
a government building
a public event
or school near you.
Are we terrified yet?
Are we furious enough?
And if not
how much more will it take?
I wonder.