April 4

      April 4, 1968

It won't be silenced
that early morning shot
                  nor the voice

(echoing   endlessly in the 
 empty chamber of his nation's
 hollowed heart)

that drew it out from the shadows of
                        hatred and vengeance

into the light   the tender embrace
not of justice but
                         fairness and mercy.

Image by Elizabeth Richter