In busy Liège near central square
Young man*, parolled, yet on the run
Causes havoc with a gun.
Two female officers lie dead
The thin blue line turns crimson red
Then one bystander joins the toll
And captured hostage quakes, poor soul.
Tension mounts - a school invaded
Terrified kids paraded
To «safe houses» just nearby
While, hearts in mouths, their parents cry.
The gunman, terrorist maybe
Is shot dead so won't wriggle free
But was he brain-washed while «inside»
All acts of violence his pride?
A public outcry soon ensues
It dominates the midday news
Both King and PM voice dismay
What evil forces are in play?
We're shocked: four families have to face
From today an empty place
Life, it seems, turns on a dime
And who profits from this crime?
(c) Poet in the woods 2018
* Benjamin Herman (b 1982)
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