One Action and All Is Lost

Inside there is a rising storm,
A simple task I must perform.
Though years have passed since last I did,
I swore this thing I would forbid.

Now things have changed and do I must
I hope my instinct I can trust.
Deep breath I take before the act,
But how many others will this impact?

It looks like such a simple thing,
Blind to horrors that it will bring.
I have survived it so I know,
My past haunted by its shadow.

Shake off the scene inside my head
Of friends and strangers lying dead.
Eyes stay focused to follow through,
Things are best when aim is true.

Finally just squeeze the trigger,
The consequences seen are bigger.
No one truly will then fall,
For an act that is so small.

This is not some movie or game,
There’s no reset or villain to blame.
Unlike what you see on TV
Redemption now can never be.

In this world death is the end
And not a thing you can amend.
No director’s “CUT” or script rewrite,
Too late to rely on your hind site.

The potential of those lives now lost
Could lead to a much greater cost.
And all those hurt by your act today
Just because hatred got its way.

In reality you can’t take some things back,
After that train has jumped the track.
And if in anger you consider violence,  
Breathe, walk away, until within there’s silence.