Poem: There is No Comparing

There is no comparing

There is no comparing

A gunman who unleashes deadly fury
in a crowded movie theater
killing many people
and injuring many more

A revered coach who covers up
repulsive crimes against children
and after his death has his bronze statue
removed from public view

A golfer who blows a big lead
on the final holes of the British Open
while millions watch on TV
and pity his stunned disappointment

A friend who turns to face the sea
just as two dolphins leap
and describe a perfect arc
as they pass each other in mid-air

Physicists who rejoice at the discovery
of the God particle that explains mass
and reminds us once again
that the gunmen, coach,
golfer, friend, dolphin
are all just the same:

Protons, neutrons, electrons
and empty space.

There is no comparing