The real vote

Votes shape the future

So I propose that the ones who vote against

Common sense gun control

Should be required by law

To report to the school where our children –

Our beloved, collective future –

Have been most recently slain

And be required by law

To lift each small body

And hold it for five minutes

And be required by law

To stay for a week in a murdered child’s home

and to prepare simple meals for  the family

who cannot eat a morsel

and to stand in at work for the parent

who is too heartsick to get out of bed

And be required by law to attend the funerals

Of each small victim

And be required by law to announce

To those gathered how they last voted

And be required by law to stay to the end

to bear the looks of anguish

And disgust and even pity

And when that it is all over

Be required by law

To think, to feel,

and to vote again

Kate Chadbourne

24 May 2022

Just to say –

I don’t think for a moment that the suggestions I make in this poem will be followed, but wouldn’t it be something if politicians were required by law to personally experience the effects of their legislation?

Also – if you would like to share this poem with anyone, you are most welcome to do so as long as my name is included. All my thanks for your caring and concern and your determination to change the status quo that harms our children physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. It cannot be allowed to continue this way.