Some of y’all know that I wrote a poem in high school about school shootings. You can read the original HERE. In response to the latest one at Covenant School, here is another one.
Nothing changes I can watch clouds move across the mountains But we are trapped in a stasis Paralyzed by our own nostalgia Remembering, clinging to our catatonia I want to say six years have passed I blew out each year added in a birthday candle Recognized its passing as I graduated from sparkling juice to sparkling wine Today, I still feel 17. Standing on a small stage Shouting into an abyss of waiting poets and people Hoping that would make a change. I was 17 when the walkouts began When marching for our lives meant advocating for gun reform Not the right of a bundle of cells yet to be born. Yet I am still here Acting as a minister As we marry two star crossed lovers With our thoughts and our prayers Throw rice as they walk down the aisle To a hearse decorated with tin cans and just married painted on the rear view window I attended this reception as a flower girl before Time has only passed where I am merely a guest Watching as other young ring bearers and flower children traipse toward the alter Crashing to their knees Tears staining their cheeks Because this is supposed to be a happy day in wedding season Isn't it strange that we know statistically that these weddings happen more in spring? Where we exchange promises To protect life As we cross fingers behind our backs Gun reform an ideal too far from reality We cry Happy tears as we see the bride Willfully passive behind a veil So she doesn't have to look these babies in their eyes Miss America holds Death's hands To renew their vows And I sit in the pews Wondering if this will be a double feature Include a funeral too I wished for a divorce I marched for a divorce Screamed on a stage like a toddler protesting my mother's second marriage And nothing changes.