Smoking Gun

Walking through the crowd 
Smiling laughing waving 
There’s so many, it’s loud 
People move, a walk way their paving 
Expressions turn scared, terror avowed 
There’s a distinct silence- no one moved 
One shot, two three four-
no breath no one’s allowed
The chaos stuns- almost too smooth
The man runs a smile like he’s proud

I look for my friends far and near 
I run toward the first movement 
Wishing the rest of my life I steered clear
Watching life leave his eyes-seemed inhuman
He was a stranger but I wanted to tear 
As his soul parted his body the memory  a pollutant 

Cops kept us from being by his side
The poor man died terrified 
Afraid because he knew he was dying alone 
But suddenly at peace like he had entered home
Such a mix of emotions burned in my brain-my ears 
Anytime I hear a gun, the bullet in his neck appears
His gaze begging for help or just to be held
But everyone stared in horror as they dealt
Treated him like a scene before he even died
That was the worst part to forget I tried 

Kids hiding under one another
Kids looking for mom sister brother
Not knowing whether to trust each other
Sighs of relief from their terrified mothers
Everyone parts and spread like butter