It happened in Ferris Bueller’s hometown
In the Mayberry of the Midwest
I first heard about it while listening to WXRT
When Terri Hemmert played “All You Need Is Love”
Then, moments later, an email from friends in Scotland
It had made the news on the BBC
“Please let me know you are okay”
A generation of angry young men
Holden Caulfields with a gun
Are allowed to run rampant
Because a minority of people with power
Misinterpret a few words on a piece of paper
Written hundreds of years ago
Does their freedom take precedence over
The freedom to walk down a street?
The freedom to drive a car?
The freedom to go to school?
The freedom to buy groceries?
The freedom to see a movie?
The freedom to attend a concert?
The freedom to go to church?
Americans are at war with one another
For no good reason
It’s a choice
It’s preventable
And now seven people are gone
When all they wanted to do was watch a parade
____________________________________________
Did you enjoy this post and our coverage of Chicago’s arts scene—including the occasional original poem or essay? Please consider supporting Third Coast Review’s arts and culture coverage by making a donation by PayPal. Choose the amount that works best for you, and know how much we appreciate your support!