I wrote this poem shortly after the Columbine shootings. I visited a website that may interest some readers at www.svrc.net, it lists over 50 school shootings since 1996 and has a map and details of each incident. It was interesting to note that these children were as young as 11 years old and the schools were as close as Guttenberg, Iowa, about 15 miles from my home. I can't help but wonder why such young people feel like violence or suicide is the only answer left. Is it a lack of compassion, hope, direction, guidance, help, forgiveness, strength?
Living Is So Hard To Do
Just a ten year old child
at her pale reflection stares,
gingerly touching the scalp
that once held a red crown of hair.
Hallowed eyes hold a wisdom
cancer eats at her brain,
other's reach for her strength
as she hides from the pain.
Living is so hard to do...
A tear follows a crooked path
down an elder mans face.
We made it fifty years," he whispers,
"I'm so sorry you're in this place,
for so many blessed years, my love,
you've been my wife, the memories now
distant as Alzheimer's erases our life."
Living is so hard to do...
Her life revolved around her babies
Dillon was one, Macy was three,
the woman cradles a stuffed doll
being a mother is all she lived to be.
The drunk man stole her family
now the mommy lives in a dark hole.
God has her husband and children, but
the driver of the car swallowed her soul.
Living is so hard to do...
He was once a man of power
ruling from his plush office chair,
now the people rush on past him-
they pretend he's not really there.
Drugs began to thieve his existance
he lost his family,he lost his home,
now he begs for his food on the street
and resides in a box all alone.
Living is so hard to do...
In a neighboring bed a moan-
Millie, out her lonely room stares.
She knows she was cast aside
the stark snow through her window glares.
All five she raised working two jobs,
it was tough after Marve had died
she sacrificed herself to rear her own.
"Where are her children now? she cried.
Living is so hard to do...
They would later say on the news
the young man was quiet, but bright.
It seems though, some children are born
never to be treated quite right.
He decided one day it was enough
his backpack held his father's gun,
the boy toted it to school today
killing himself and those who made fun.
Living is so hard to do...
Remember in your own lives
anger will usually subside,
killing doesn't have to be the answer
if you give forgiveness a try.
Put your life in the place of another's
the next time self pity makes you cry,
sometimes to live is the hardest place
and only the very strong, won't simply die.
Because living is so hard to do.
Originally Posted On Site: 2008-01-27 01:39:33
Last Login: 08.20.08
Visits as of 12-12-07: 93
