orlando

it was wrong place wrong time
that was their only crime
misfits never fit in
loathed for imagined sin

daily they had to fight
putrid glares and sharp spite
only let their guard down
in this free side of town

music pulsating strong
tasting like they belong
tentative in their bliss
looming is his abyss

cannot fathom the hate
its monolithic weight
crushing wild deep and stark
as the guns took their mark

snuffing out any shred
of hope for days ahead
the despondence i feel
pales against the newsreel

49 lives they grieve
years or sleep won’t relieve
twisting anger and pain
and we’re the ones to blame