I will write that blog about our wins and our losses, and I will also write about the insane fires that are still decimating our state, our county, and our community. But, today I am writing from a different place than usual. When I sat at my computer, I had no words that seemed to make sense. No blog I could write talking about the senseless shooting could convey how I feel, and I cannot convey my deep sense of devastation with such an outlet. Instead, I closed my eyes and let my fingers write what my heart was feeling.
I would like to share this poem that I wrote with you all.
Security of a Free State
Thousands of people are murdered day to day,
And our government is ignoring our pleas in every single way.
Voices, and voices, and voices are yelling… SCREAMING out to say-
ENOUGH is enough! How many lives have to fade away?!?
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State”…
Because of these words, a solution many abate,
Because of these words, so many procrastinate,
Because of these words, there is no mandate.
Trying to protect our families, our loved ones, our children- our collective heart stills,
Sending our kids to school these days gives many of us chills.
Our children spend their days doing active shooter drills,
Because of a declaration that was written 227 years ago, with old ancient quills.
Since when does a desire to collect lethal weapons outweigh lives?
With this prioritization society is lower than ever and our humanity dives.
How many children must bleed before we realize,
That every drop of who we are, what we stand for, fades and forever dies.
A crying father, who lost his daughter, telling his story, is ostracized,
He speaks from the heart, pleading for compassion, for understanding, for sanity, and he is only chastised.
Those of us who hear him must speak up, hold him high, honor his daughter and others lost, and do what is wise.
We must ban together, stand up tall, fight the fight the fight, and galvanize.
Because, if we do not who are we... what do we stand for?
How many generations will have to practice dropping to the floor?
“The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed” people roar,
But we won't let you take our brothers, our sisters, our mothers, our fathers, our friends, and our children...any more.
Enough is enough.
Gun violence has to stop- what we are doing now is not working. There are local groups who are fighting gun violence, and I will be sharing events with the Club. Please join our group “Democratic Club of Camarillo” if you are on Facebook, and please sign up for email notifications for activism activities via our club email if you are interested in this or any other activism: DemClubofCam@gmail.com.
We must do something… We cannot keep sitting in silence.