Waves of people filled the streets while chanting hand in hand,
in hopes they’d send a message that would spread across the land.

Some acts of grave injustice that they’d witnessed on TV
aroused a mass of anger ‘bout police brutality.

A cry for racial justice and a search for common ground
had them shouting for attention with an omnipresent sound.

Some would follow ordinance and tout a rightful cause,
but others turned to violence showing no respect for laws.

Buildings burned and looted, then displayed on nightly news
just incited opposition – those with vastly different views.

The Rebel flags were flying as were signs with BLM,
and the likelihood of compromise was looking pretty slim.

History was faulted and was used to fan the flame,
as tones of acquiescence only helped to spread the blame.

Was hard to tell which message was to be revered the most –
to kill blue institutions or some long departed ghosts.

Monuments were toppled and memorials destroyed,
as the past was commutated with the consequential void.

The media exploited every sight of discontent,
and a torrent wave of anger only grew with each event.

The flames were fanned by despots who incited more division,
and cracks kept getting deeper from the engineered collision.

Their money flowed to factions that would hype the ones who matter,
paid little to the cause – made the rousers that much fatter.

City blocks were taken and insurgents took a stand,
while thugs incited violence and the local cops were banned.

The country watched in horror as the cities failed to act,
‘till children started dying – and the thugs were finally sacked.

Now, opposing forces carry guns to some events,
as if a show of power carries any common sense.

The left and right division now is taken to the brink,
and right before elections – so you have to stop and think.

Is all of this just natural or is someone pulling strings –
or does the answer lay with what the next election brings?

It’s hard to watch what’s happening and tally up the score –
it may just be a prelude to another civil war.

People need to settle down – do what they think is right
and use the freedoms that we have to wage a peaceful fight.

Or where does it end?