i know the weight of a child’s life
in the hands of a blind, angry nation
i know how much it takes to tip the scales
away from a place where the fearless live
and toward the dark, entombing earth –

just 3.88 grams

it doesn’t take much
to tear the fragile ones from our grasp
and send them hurtling into oblivion
leaving them empty on the hard floor
just fear, just selfish desire, just cold hearts –

just 3.88 grams