Routine Tragedies Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

When tragedies become routine,
To eventually decrease...
Surprise and shock to stop tear drops,
These tragedies are removed...
From the category of being rare.
As those becoming aware,
More prepare themselves to accept...
Someone amongst them to be described,
To be depressed and disgruntled...
By a life they have chosen to live,
But have decided they dislike.
And everyone they can name is the blame for it.

Unfortunately,
These 'incidents and isolated events'...
Are becoming a way of life,
Children, adults and others in between...
Have begun to think of what they witness,
That occurs on a daily basis...
As an expectation.

'Daddy?
There they go, again.
Sirens and people screaming.
What is the reason 'this' time? '

~Who knows.
They are at the front entrance of the mall.
Could be something someone heard,
Has been lower priced.~

'Oh.
Like the value of life? '

~Where do you kids get such ridiculous ideas?
Comeon.
Let's hurry to get that video game you wanted.
And nothing else.
Understood? ~

'Whatever.'

~How many times do I have to remind you,
Do not 'whatever' me.~

'I don't see you enough to remember.'