I am changed.
I know I am changed.
I want no misstep of
anger across my path.

I am a man who wants to
live as a human transformed,
for too many of my kind,
too many for sure, have
entered the path to destruction.

Too many.
Too many.

I feel that weight, that need
to put up a sign that says,
this way to humankind,
this way to gentleness,
this way to the thrill of love,
and away from the cold of hate.

I am changed, but I’m still
filled with pain, still trembling
when I see a man with a gun,
with a knife,
with a fist,
with words that
hit as hard as a blade.

I am changed.
But what does it matter if
no one else feels as I do
and wants a better world where
my precious ones are safe?

 

15/4/2024