brian shivers

The following was written for and delivered at a community remembrance event on May 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium sponsored by the Sikh community. Remembering and celebrating the lives lost as a result of the mass shooting on April 15, 2021 at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis . . . 

It's time to  Confess The sin of the empire That cannot understand  It's own proclivity to Oppress others  in the name of National security It's time to Confess The sin of the institution That cannot recognize  It's own tendency to Keep people in their place  In the name of Its vitality It's time to Confess  The sin of the group That cannot stop It's own penchant to Ostracize others  In the name of  Tribal purity It's time to Confess  The sin of the individual  Who cannot avoid Their own impulse to  Deny the rights of others In the name of Self righteousness