Author TJ Hapney

I read this at the 100 Thousand Poets for Change event last night in Tallahassee and thought I’d share it here.

I am a consumer of tragedy
I watch it through my electronic window.
It doesn’t touch me, but I feel it.
Wars,
Explosions,
Riots and
Death.

I am a consumer of tragedy.
I see it all.

Shots ring out.
A mother cries for a child killed over a toy.
A woman films as her lover dies next to her in their car,
Her daughter fearfully watching.

I am a consumer of tragedy.
I listen to the circular arguments.

Shots ring out.
People flee at a concert.
Stagehands guide people through back of house.
Those running stop to help others.

I am a consumer of tragedy.
I watch the videos.

Shots ring out.
A young man barricades a door to protect his classmates.
A football coach shields his students.
Children huddle together, comforting one another.
Gunshots pap-pap-pap in the background of the video.

I am a consumer of tragedy.
I watch the experts argue.
Followed by silence and inaction.

Shots ring out.
Childless parents grieve.
Journalists cry on TV.
Thoughts and prayers are offered.
Can no one see the tragedy we have become?