The world unravels in my mind’s terrain as
public discourse shoots currents of hate,
bullets that annihilate cohesion through a fear
that flutters its rising pulse in anger.
Trolls lurk beneath social media memes
disseminating vitriolic dissension from the fringe.
Americans murder Americans en masse.
Jihadists murder their infidels.
Us versus Them
Us versus Us
Enough hatred already.
****
If we lined up every gun in America,
could we love them round the moon and back?
Brenda Warren 2015
Note: In the title, I left parentheses with # in them, as I’m curious how many times American owned guns (not military, but citizen) could go around the moon and back. Maybe (two times), maybe (ten times)? If you know, do share!
undercaws 
very charming word flow.
happy new year.
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Hate fuels fear and fear fuels hate. An ugly cycle that must end! Terrific!
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interesting post and timely too given what’s been happening on the world’s stage.
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Enough, indeed. A powerful write. Thanks for the read!
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People seem so frightened, and the media does stoke the fires….but we are not in control, and certainly not in control of others…..and guns….and hate….
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Wonderful Brenda and beautifully tied in to NY Times running an editorial on its front page yesterday calling for gun control – now ….. Could you share this at Poets Poeming for Peace?
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Absolutely, Pearl. Thank you. I thought it might be a bit angry in tone for that platform.
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A composed and insightful look at the world as it stands particularly right now – it made me think of that picture where people hold hands around a globe – i think the guns would go onto infinity because they are things which can be repaired and built again…unlike people..whoever keeps firing there will come a day when nobody is left and the reason (if there ever is one) will disappear with ‘us’
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I can see that image of people holding hands, and it is quite distant. My hope for humanity dwindles in light of social media. People spew intolerant vitriol like candy at a parade.
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The whole world is in trouble but sadly on those with a very small voice seem to realize that. Guns, pollution, global warming, destruction of vital flora and fauna, but worst of all so many races who distrust the others.
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I agree OE. Social media is depressing with all of the hatred and intolerance people express.
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I am confused by the word “love” in the last stanza. Perhaps I require another cup of coffee so my brain wakes up. 🙂
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Oh, wait. I just re-read it … I understand now. It’s just my silly brain mixing things up again.
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It might be confusing Misky, but coffee is always a good thing. Thanks for stopping by to read!
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“…love them round the moon…” love them? No and No and No.
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Ha! I was employing irony, Viv. I’ve always told my daughter, “I love you round the moon and back.” It’s a fairly common saying here. Maybe it doesn’t work great, but I like the ending. It points toward the absurdity of gun numbers in America.
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I did get the irony! I’m relieved beyond measure that there is some stirring in the US towards gun control.
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Me too. It’s sad how much senseless violence had to occur to sway the conversation that way.
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