Murder in the Mountains

In Cedar Glen, California,

A woman owned a clothing store.

The woman, Lauri Carleton, flew

A rainbow flag outside the door.

 

Someone took exception to that--

A hate-filled man, a dunderhead--

Who after making disparaging

Remarks, shot the woman dead.

 

Always valuing justice and love,

She welcomed the opportunity

To share that love with all and was

A pillar of the community.

 

She wanted a place that was safe for folks.

That was her dream; that was her plan.

Sadly, her hopes were cut short by

A vile, loathsome excuse for a man.

 

In an encounter with deputies,

The suspect was shot and killed. But why

Did such a lovely person as Lauri--

A mom with nine children--have to die?

 

Her husband and children now are grieving.

My heart goes out to each of them.

Certainly, they'll remember her as

A loving soul, a precious gem.

 

-by Bob B (8-20-23)