vanward

they would not have chosen
to set aside childish care
about make-up, pop quizzes,
prom dates or their hair
they would not have chosen
to put down their phones
and pick up a placard
and march from their homes
to chant and to rally
to make themselves heard
they would not have chosen
but won't be deterred
they would not have chosen
to cower in fear
at every alarm
when footsteps they hear
but you shoved them all vanward
to the front of this fight
when you told them their lives
were worth less than your right
to own, not a gun,
but a weapon of war
built for the slaughter
and to kill by the score
they would not have chosen
but you gave them no choice
so now you should listen
as they speak with one voice
as they cry out for justice
and beg for the chance
to have their worst nightmare
be no date for a dance
and not waking up crying
for the friends that they lost
just so you could play Rambo
whatever the cost