dedicated to the memory of Riley Ann Sanders . . .


Say you're strong enough to be a man . . .
Shoulder your responsibility.
But when the times get rough you resort
To methods that emasculate.

Say you're stable, that you're strong enough to
Create a planet,
Walking, talking, breathing.
But when the times get rough you act out,
Flood the new world with blood.

It only takes a second to walk away.
How can you hate that which came from your body?
Your love destroyed in fear,
Pride your nemesis.
Discipline yourself before taking it out on someone else.

There are no cries in the dark tonight.
At 2 am sleeping peacefully . . .
Underwater, she'll no longer be your bother . . .
She listened to your hand for the last time.

Pain cannot be swallowed away,
Her injuries are many.
A crime that cannot pay.
Next time the anger swells in tidal waves,
Just walk away . . .