we walk seven blocks
in the semi-melted snow
to visit police

there is no jail time
no judgment of rainbow kids
as they ask questions

an open forum
for them to see the whole truth
(media won’t share)

they talk about peace
how some never used a gun
or even raised one

the kids question them
with patience, honesty… doubt
and they all. listen.

does doubt follow them?
they cast shadows on the streets
in the midday sun

their bright faces grin
pepper me with more questions
upon our return

thanks for taking us
the one thing i need to hear
from today’s visit

(they’ll remember this–
not the snow, the sun–the walk
the walk towards peace, hope)