13 Killed in Thousand Oaks

We'd like to think that we could go

Out for an evening and not have to worry

That we are going to end up being

The helpless victim of a gunman's fury.

 

One would think that mass shootings

In which so many lives are lost

Might compel lawmakers

To stop the killings at any cost.

 

When so many shootings occur

On American soil year after year,

Don't enough people wonder

What the hell is happening here?

 

What are people waiting for?

How many more victims will die?

Must we sit by helplessly

While lawmakers turn a blind eye?

 

Another horrific act of violence

Occurred at the Borderline Bar & Grill

When a solitary gunman

Had one thing on his mind: to kill.

 

Eleven young people gunned down.

An officer shot dead as well.

Only survivors who were present

Can talk about their glimpse of hell.

The killer, too, lost his life

From a wound, possibly self-inflicted.

Some say in retrospect

His actions could have been predicted.

No one can fathom the suffering

Of the victims' parents, families and friends--

Their heartache and anguish from knowing that

Their loved ones met such violent ends.

 

Just two weeks before Thanksgiving!

This year it will be a chore

To ask the parents staring at empty

Seats what they are thankful for.

 

A call to action is the only response

To the horror that this nightmare evokes

When twelve innocent victims must

Lose their lives in Thousand Oaks.

Remember the victims:

 

Sgt. Ron Helus (54)

Sean Adler (48)

Cody Coffman (22)

Blake Dingman (21)

Jake Dunham (21)

Alaina Housley (18)

Daniel Manrique (33)

Justin Meek (23)

Mark Meza (20)

Kristina Morisette (20)

Telemachus Orfanos (27)

Noel Sparks (21)

 

A mother of one of the victims has said,

"Here are my words. I want gun control.

I don't want prayers. I don't want thoughts."

 

-by Bob B (11-9-18)

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A sad day. So many killings. Another soldier. We must do something my friend. I wish I knew what. I saw two soldiers loss their minds when I was in the service. Some men are rock and some are not. Two of the longest wars going on. Sending our children to war and they come back. We must lead with concern, kindness and listen to each other. My prayers for the poor families.
Coyote