October 28, 2013

Dear Sir

In view of all of this senseless violence resulting in death or severe injuries, I was asked to compose a poem that may be able to reach and touch people’s hearts.

On completion of the poem it was suggested that I send it to this section of your paper, as it is believed that “many” people read this section. I would greatly appreciate it if you would see the necessity of printing the following poem in hopes that it will make a difference in someone’s life.

Sincerely

Matie Crockwell

How Long?

How long dear people will this madness go on

How long I ask you before this violence is gone

Isn’t it time for us to find a better way

How long must our children fear to go outside and play?

My brother, my sister, won’t you step up to the plate

And stop these senseless killings before it is eternally too late

How long must parents have to stand at a graveside?

And bury a son or daughter who through violence has died

How long will we allow destruction across this land?

How long will we stand idle and not reach out a helping hand

I beg of you to speak up, just tell what you know

Help stamp out this evil, put an end to tears and woe

How long must our elderly live with fright and fear

Does it matter to you, or do you even care

The police need our help this evil to defeat

Shall we pull together and help them this goal to meet

Let’s make the choice together and say “on me you can depend”

Thus when the police call upon you, please lend a helping hand

Bermuda, let’s wake up, it’s time to stand strong

And so I ask again, How long, How long

How many more phone calls will parents have to dread

Not knowing which one will say that their child is dead.

How long must innocent folks be afraid to walk the streets

While fearing around every corner violence they may meet

Too long, my brother, my sister, families have been torn apart

Why not let God, our Heavenly Father, give you a brand new heart

Won’t you please just give God a try?

I promise that He’ll not pass you by

Now, I’ll offer this prayer, “Please God heal this land

For love and kindness are parts of your great plan

Help us this day to depart from wrong

And no longer have to ask, How long, How long.”

Amen