In the quiet hush of early evening’s fade,
A tragedy unfolded, cruel and unafraid.
Near North 68th, where children once played,
A darkness descended, hopes cast in shade.
An eleven-year-old, innocent and bright,
Struck by violence in the fading light.
A gunshot shattered the peaceful air,
A life cut short, a soul laid bare.
Cheek and head wounded, a fragile frame,
Transported in mercy, yet lost to pain.
Children at the bus stop, witnesses to fear,
Frozen in terror, hearts pounding near.
Voices hushed in shock, tears in their eyes,
A moment that echoes in silent cries.
Three youths, shadows fleeing into the night,
From a park into alleys, out of sight.
Their figures fleeting, questions remain,
What prompted this act of grief and pain?
No clear suspect, no stated reason,
Just grief deepening with each passing season.
The city mourns, its spirit strained,
In the wake of loss, empathy is gained.
The police seek clues in the darkened streets,
To unravel the mystery, to find the cheats.
Tips from the public, voices loud and clear,
Are the hope to bring justice here.
Crime Stoppers calls for aid and voice,
To help restore peace, to make a choice.
To heal the wounds that violence sows,
To protect the innocence that still glows.
In this moment, we hold the family tight,
Their grief profound, their loss a blight.
A child's bright future, dreams unspooled,
Now silent, in the cold, tragic fold.
May their hearts find strength to face the dawn,
In memories cherished, love lives on.
May the city stand in solidarity,
To combat darkness with unity.
Let us remember the preciousness of life,
The fragile hope amid urban strife.
Every child a promise, a hope to cherish,
A future bright, not one to perish.
In sorrow, let compassion grow,
In justice, let our efforts show.
That violence is a shadow we must dispel,
For every child, every story, every farewell.
So as we mourn this young life gone too soon,
Let’s forge a path toward healing and tune,
Our voices to the call for peace and care,
For safer streets, for love to share.
May kindness be the light that guides,
And in our hearts, hope resides.
For in remembering, we find the strength,
To build a world where safety’s length.
In every tear, a prayer we send,
May justice come, and love mend.
For every child deserves a chance,
To grow, to dream, to dance.
Let’s stand together, hand in hand,
To forge a future, safe and grand.
For in our unity, we find the way,
To turn the darkness into day.
