Half-Mast

Old Glory’s at half-mast today. I wonder who just passed away? Was it a hero from some battles past? A dead leader whose influence lasts? Were servicemen killed overseas, Or humanitarians died fighting a disease? Seems most of the time I don’t know why The Colors only at half-mast fly. More and more it seems to be The flag’s mourning some local tragedy: A lunatic shooter with a gun or rifle Killed innocents for some reprisal; Or people contemplating suicides Go out committing multiple homicides. I think the worst is killing schoolchildren. Will this obscene madness never end?!