Another school day
filled with laughter
and learning
shattered by the
sound of gunshots

Screams and cries for
help followed by silence
Children hiding with
their teachers, frightened

Training put into action
Training that should not
be necessary for actions
that should never occur
 
When will we decide enough is enough?
When will we choose love, instead of hate?
When will we weep instead of foolishly arguing?
 
Mourning innocent lives
left lying on the floor
of the very place they
should have been safe

I wrote the first version of this poem in 2022. I’m sad to say I’ve rewritten it and reshared it too many times since then.