By Dr. Portia Lockett
This poem was birthed to honor the life and legacy of all those who lost their lives to gun violence including my son Azal Benne Lockett whose life was tragically taken December 15, 2020.
In the quiet hum of a workplace,
where people rise to provide, to build, to become,
we stand for protection, not fear.
Through the aisles of a grocery store,
where ordinary moments should remain ordinary
we say: Everyone deserves to make it home.
Ricochet… where will it land today?
In the sacred space of schools,
where children carry tomorrow in their backpacks, we declare: their futures are not targets.
Across colleges and universities,
where voices grow bold and dreams take shape,we protect the freedom to learn and live.
Ricochet… where will it land today?
Inside places of worship,
where faith calls us to love, to serve, to unite
we honor the right to gather in peace.
In nightclubs and bars,
where joy dances and community is found
we defend the right to celebrate safely.
Ricochet… where will it land today?
At tables in restaurants and cafés,
where stories are shared and memories are made, we insist: no chair should be left empty.
Across parks and public gatherings,
where laughter rises under open skies
we stand for spaces free from violence.
Ricochet… where will it land today?
Within homes,
where love should live without fear
we speak for safety behind every door.
In hospitals and clinics,
where healing hands work tirelessly
we protect those who protect us.
Ricochet… where will it land today?
Inside government buildings,
where leadership is meant to serve the people
we demand courage, action, accountability.
Through airports and transit spaces,
where lives are constantly in motion
we affirm: safety should travel with us all.
Ricochet… where will it land today?
In theaters and stages,
where stories connect our humanity
we refuse to let violence steal the spotlight.
Behind the doors of hotels,
temporary stays that should remain peaceful
we claim rest without fear.
Ricochet… where will it land today?
On military grounds,
where service and sacrifice stand tall
we honor life at every level.
Inside community centers,
where hope is rebuilt every day
we invest in safety, in care, in each other.
Ricochet… where will it land today?
At cultural and community events,
where heritage and joy come alive
we celebrate life, not mourn it.
In sports arenas,
where we cheer as one
we remember: unity must extend beyond the game.
Ricochet… where will it land today?
Across parking lots and street corners,
in the everyday spaces of our lives
we say: enough is enough.
Within justice and law enforcement spaces,
where protection is the promise
we call for systems that truly keep us safe.
Ricochet… where will it land today?
And today…
we are not just asking the question.
We are becoming the answer.
We are mothers.
We are fathers.
We are neighbors, leaders, healers, believers.
We are every voice that refuses silence.
So when the question comes
we answer together:
Not here. Not another child. Not another family. Not another community.
We rise in love!
We stand in unity!
We act with urgency!
Because the question has echoed long enough…
And today, together,
we change where it lands.
http://www.drportialockett.com/