Be Happy I’m a Pacifist

It is written,
		
                    “The Lord is my banner.”

But I have said, 

                    “When we see the banners on 
                    the back of their pickup trucks, 
                    we know who they are.”  

Those who come with 
warning labels like,

                    “This vehicle stops at all 
                    railroad tracks... to reload.”
		
                    “Proud parent of another 
                    school shooter.”

		    “The only thing thin about 
                    me is my Thin Blue Line.”

We know intimidation when we see it.  
The red ball cap, the billowing flags.  
We’ve learned how to identify the bullies, 
but have we also forgotten how to 
love our enemies?  

I no longer see the image of their God 
upon the faces of what passes for their 
humanity.  My heart is now bound by a 
weight that sinks me under waves of hate. 

In a future time, 
others may come with 
warning labels like,  

                    “The only good bully 
                    is a dead bully.”

                    “It’s okay, no one 
                    will miss you.”

                    “I’ll make yours look 
                    like a suicide.”

                    “Be happy I’m 
                    a pacifist.”