The Bath School elementary students

write the date on their chalkboards:

May 18, 1927.

Only moments pass before

chalkboards, chairs, and children

catapult out the window from

the impact of a

bomb.

Wiping down the whiteboard,

conversing with her students,

the Parkland teacher hands out

valentines to the class.

But minutes later, a different red smears students’ desks

as their hearts bleed out.

The Columbine senior sits in the cafeteria,

analyzing her acceptance letter like a

scientist. Within seconds,

she slumps in the chair –

her hand still clutching the letter.

Tears slipping down her face like

melted snow,

the Newtown mother

dumps her dead daughter’s Christmas presents

into the Toys for Tots donation box.

How many more teachers must die?

Why is the massacre of kids bearable?

When will America have had

Enough?