Atrocity

This week I witnessed atrocities, 3
Each one an horrific tragedy
From kidnapping and murder in Memphis
To butchery committed against the Cree

And, so, we ask ourselves
How can it be?
That a human can reach
Such depths of depravity?

Let me present for Thee
A list of the Usual Suspects
Abuse, neglect, teenage drug use, poverty
Indeed

But, alas
We need only look to history to see
All manner of inhumanity
It is………a commonality

It was taught to me, early
That anybody, everybody
Is capable of such deeds
It is a theme in Heart of Darkness
And Dostoevsky

This week I witnessed atrocities, 3
Each one an horrific tragedy
It elicits terror, and sympathy
But, mostly
Especially
For me
Relief
That it wasn’t………my family