plangent

you think you can dismiss them

for you forget that you yourself once were one

you think distraction or exhaustion will fell them

for you forget that you yourself once were one

and you forget

their fight not fueled 

by petulance and pettiness

as your fight seems to be

and you forget

that youthful vigor's expanse 

is here fed by righteous anger 

against the corruption 

and cruelty and cowardice

of those who run from justice

for those who ran from bullets

you forget

to fear the plangent howl 

of grief and rage

you who dare not cede the stage 

to indignant, guiltless grace

you who've lost your integrity

as you gained your age

and are too frightened 

to stare truth in the face 

you forget the courage it takes 

to stand up and make their case

you forget the power 

of conviction that they embrace

for you forget

that after you are gone

those children will still be running the race

they will be the ones to take your place 

and they will reshape the world 

out of this tragedy and disgrace

do not think you can dismiss them

do not forget that you yourself once were one

though never one like them