The Poetry in Crisis Class at Cornwall Central High School composed the following poem. The contributions of different groups are identified by a change in type style.
This is only a…
“I forgot my sneakers; could you drop them off?”
“No problem, sweetie, I will…”
“We’re in lockdown; have to go.”
“Get in here, now!”
“What’s going on? Shaking can’t move
Now when I have to move…”
Waves of emotion, pounding footsteps.
Are those doors slamming or rapid gunshots?
Yanked into a room. Is this only a drill?
The cell phone beeped in my purse in the office.
I didn’t hear it, but I WOULD HAVE LOST IT.
My day went on, reports being written.
Thinking of dinner, carpool to practice and grocery shopping.
My co-worker sprinted into the cubicle,
“THERE’S A SHHOTING AT THE SCHOOL!”
High school, and she wasn’t kidding.
My heart dropped
Eyes whitened.
I check my phone and my daughter had written:
“Don’t know if I’ll make it, Love You”
I called, pleaded and begged for her to respond,
But all that was left was a dial tone.
I smile as a friend points out to me
That there is a dog in the room.
They text their parents as they hear
The sound of gunshots moving closer.
I think to myself that I might get out of taking a quiz.
They think that they may never see their friends again.
I try to remember if I have a practice tonight.
They try to remember if they said “I love you” to their parents.
I get up and walk to the next class.
Some of them may never get up.
I had a project to present after lunch.
I had practice after school.
I was supposed to go on a Valentine’s date tonight.
I had a college visit this weekend.
I had a game plan written for Friday.
I had plans.
Now I have no future.
Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, Parkland
How many more? When will it end?
89 angels and still no change.
All so young…
Life had just begun
