The Shooting Range on a Sunday Morning

It’s 9 A.M. on Sunday morning.
The booming sound of shots
Pierces the quiet atmosphere.

Usually like clockwork
The shots of gunfire ring
like a Sunday sermon.

In those moments at the range, 
You feel connected to a higher power.
You may even feel that power in your hands.

The handgun is a tool.
There’s challenges, targets, and goals.
You can set your eyes on the prize.

Like all good things
It can be loud, hot, and messy
With occasional painful flying projectiles
Of the shell casings.

When the round is complete,
We all work together to clean up the debris.
Maybe that’s what I crave sometimes.

Working together so we can enjoy
A distraction and clutter-free space.
It’s all in the expectation and communication of the group.

We can protect ourselves with safety precautions.
Be responsible Americans.

The target is clear and tangible.

We can see our growth and our setbacks.
Each day is an opportunity to try and improve
Again and again.