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suthern
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0 posted 2004-12-14 10:35 PM


For Billy

What kind of person
robs a store
whose very name
says Goodwill -
dependent on donations
and existing to aid
not accrue fortune?

What kind of person
shoots an unarmed man
who'd given all
there was to give
and cooperated fully
to protect
a pregnant coworker?

He sank in blood before her.

What kind of monster
leaves friends to find
a familiar face
in their homes once again
but this time black-bordered
on a television screen?

Does the killer hear our keen
of grief and disbelief?

What kind of person
treats a child's grandfather,
a mother's son,
a wife's joy
as a disposable target
decking so many halls
with such sorrow?

We were so different
yet drawn together
destined to be
more than friends
less than lovers
and never complacent -
What kind of person
took all that away?

In memory of William Robert Musick, August 4, 1954 - December 13, 2004.

© Copyright 2004 suthern - All Rights Reserved
Ratleader
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1 posted 2004-12-15 12:38 PM


I'll probably have to stand in line, but I volunteer....I'd gladly pull the lever on this dreck!

I'm proud to be first responder to any of our Laura's poems, but this one....I don't have words for this, and I'm glad to be the first one to say it!

~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>   ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>  ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº>    ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº>
______________Ratleader______________

RSWells
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since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533

2 posted 2004-12-15 12:52 PM


Only someone very sick, very demented. If this was a friend I'm sorry for your loss.
suthern
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3 posted 2004-12-15 08:48 AM


Ratleader: I'm afraid you'll have to stand in line, my friend... for there are so many of us more than willing to take out that garbage. Thank you... I know this isn't really a poem... but the words needed some outlet.

RSWells: Thank you... he was indeed a friend... and I can't type the word "was" without tears.

The killers were apprehended... but I have no faith in our justice system... some technicality will probably leave them free to live the long life they denied Billy. And is there ever really any justice when a good man is cut down?

Janet Marie
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since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

4 posted 2004-12-15 04:45 PM


tis indeed a poem...a  touching heart on sleeve tribute...Im so very sorry for all involved...we never understand why these things have to happen.
heart-hugs

nakdthoughts
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since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
5 posted 2004-12-15 05:22 PM


lately there is much of this going on...

it is hard for me to listen to the local news
let alone national...

Sorry for your loss, Suthern
hugs
M

garysgirl
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6 posted 2004-12-15 07:33 PM


I'm sorry.
Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
7 posted 2004-12-15 07:43 PM


Leniency...

"oh, let them be...they're just acting out..."

"he's just showing character"...

Where are the conscience rules?

Where are the ethics?  Morals?

Suthern, as always, you are on target, you write the poem of heart, always with a lesson...you are your own light, leading...

And in case someone needs to go home to get some rest because they are weary of the battle?  I will step into that line in their place...

Martie
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California
8 posted 2004-12-15 07:56 PM


I'm so sorry this happened, Ruth!   Heart hugs to you.
Susan
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since 2004-03-27
Posts 5104
walking the surreal
9 posted 2004-12-15 09:03 PM


Oh my - what sorrow - truly sorry for those touched by this tragedy - uncomprehensible -

Hugs - Susan

Happiness isn't something that happens to you, it's created from within you.  Joy is a state of mind.

Mysteria
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10 posted 2004-12-15 09:40 PM


This world is full of sadness, but in equal amounts we manage to find the joy I hope.  So sad for this person's family.  Sad so many lives are changed at the hands of the desperate.
SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
11 posted 2004-12-15 10:01 PM


A person with no heart does these kind of things.
Midnitesun
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Gaia
12 posted 2004-12-15 10:10 PM


What an incredibly sad event, for everyone. While I cannot offer to stand in that line, I offer my condolences, my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends, and hope that justice will prevail.
Shaking my head here, as goodwill is not the action that survives this event, if the focus is on the perpetrator rather than the generous heart that gave the ultimate so willingly.

Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
13 posted 2004-12-16 07:57 AM


I've always been willing to "take out the garbage"...and in this case, would be thrilled to do so.....strong write Suthern....and a sad one
suthern
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Louisiana
14 posted 2004-12-16 11:14 AM


I can't thank you enough for your kind responses and support... As I was trying to listen for any news about this crime last night, I was amazed at how many shootings are happening around here on a daily basis... Statistics really don't mean that much until you know the people behind the numbers.

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