Graduation tothe Grave

Walking across that stage
Feeling tremendous accomplishment
He was finally on his way
Pride exuding from the hearts of loved ones
That's my baby they cheered to say
Tears of happiness leaking from eyes
Thinking of all the dreams for which he strived
Memories of the journey here
Flashing through spectators minds
Thoughts of what lies ahead in his own
Visions of joy, tears, newfound fears, and perspiration of many years
All leading up to this very special moment
A celebration to commensurate
The goals achieved
The tragedy that lay ahead
No one could have foreseen
Please God wake us up from this cruel dream
Where the aimless youth feel the need for power
Were they never shown love
That they so carelessly devour
Killing innocent victims
Bloodshed the only emotion they shower
Becoming a normalcy with our children
As the issue increases
Nothing but hopeless despair
The trigger releases
Killing more than just the victims
But our whole community
This has become what they live in
This is what they see
The lonely outcasts band together
Building a broken family tree
Tearing the limbs from the loving families
Killing the joy that used to be
These senseless acts of hatred
Growing rampant in our streets
Our young are crying out
In utter chaos and defeat
Prayers​ for this lost generation
And the love they truly seek
Guidance from above
For there is now no justice that can be served
For those packing the heat
Prayers for the families trying to heal
Hatred and bitterness left to feel
And an emptiness with which they cannot comprehend how to deal
He was finally on his way
His life wasn't yours to steal