What Triggers Someone. . .
by Kristine Stanton © 2024"Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways. . .
They will be paid back with harm
for the harm they have done."
(Proverbs 3:31 & 2 Peter 2:13, NIV)
What triggers one to do something
that causes others harm?
Why is it we don't see the signs
that should cause us alarm?
Why is it some resort to guns
and go on shooting sprees?
What thoughts are running through their mind
as they hear fearful pleas?
What causes some to be hostile
and act aggressively?
Do they feel trapped or overwhelmed—
mistreated terribly?
Have they been bullied or abused—
do they feel lost—alone?
How is their homelife—are they safe—
is violence well-known?
Is it pure hatred, anger, grief,
that causes shooting sprees?
Why are these acts of violence
in various degrees?
How can we stop these mass shootings
that terrorize our days?
So many witness them firsthand—
they're shot—they're killed—they're grazed.
And there are those who see it all—
so horrified with fear.
They witness friends fall victim to
a shooter that is near. . .
So very near— they see the gun
and wonder who'll be next.
Tremendous panic grabs their hearts—
as targets they're perplexed.
Too many martyrs—casualties—
they're numbered one-by-one.
We must prevent such violence—
these vicious acts with guns.
"Live in harmony with one another. "
(Romans 12:16, NIV)
This poem was a finalist in the
November 2024 poetry contest
