How long will violence go on?
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