I ache

I ache with this burden I see

Of police

Using force to hurtt

Those who are only begging

To be cared for

My heart is sore

What is life worth living for

If we cannot show understanding

Love and empathy

To our fellow man

And hold out a hand when we are

Vulnerable and hurting

But sometimes after I witness the fires burning

I see that the desire for love

And respect is a flame

That when extinguished

Only forces other flames

To burn brighter

With the truth

And fire brings a light to this darkness

A warmth to this coldness

Of ignorance

We must face this truth

With complete and naked honesty

All lives matter

All lives are precious

Please can’t we do better?

Can’t we just respect

And love one another?