Walk with eyes open, a different look today,

notice the change of heart, perhaps a hesitation,

that normal glance of hello now secondary

to this inherent need shadows fear’s trepidation.

~

Seems everyday can never be the same as it were,

when yesterday the stroll seemed arbitrary.

Crossing the street occurs always a bit easier

when safety, our very existence isn’t held contrary.

~

Their eyes were gleaming when later I drove by,

two or three standing together, smiling, innocent,

I watched as they noticed me a stranger whose ‘why’

rather might protect their hearts from hate’s lament.

~

There is race, simple hate, monstrous terror’s release,

The child’s eye is when love lost, crying, yearns peace