Adele Maritz

Breathing autumn air
amid rustling leaves...
exhale.

Why must mothers say goodbye?
Every time children die -
The angels cry.

Stop the hurt and stop the pain.
Never any gain, just a nation's shame,
a laughable blame game.
Only headstones remain.

Sisters and brothers ripped from
fathers and mothers.
Empty chairs and empty beds,
fill empty homes - hung by threads.

Let our children play and shine.
Just a day without that headline.
Safe in the streets and safe in their beds,
no bruises and bullets - we beg!

Why must mothers say goodbye?
Every time children die -
The angels cry.