Since then
Since then
I am now 18
With dreams of my own
And others whom I care for who have dreams too
I’m just a senior in high school, getting ready for college
How could my words or opinions or vote make a difference
I’m only still 18
Just yesterday,
people cried,
People ran in fear for their lives,
And people as young as five
Died.
People who had their whole lives ahead of them,
Shopping just 20 minutes from my home.
And within seconds their lives flashed before their eyes.
I know people from school that worked in just stores nearby,
Traumatized by what laid before their eyes.
And left, just yesterday,
Wondering why.
Why we are not safe in the public eye?
Why we are not safe in schools?
Why we are not safe to shop at our own free will
For graduation, mother’s day, and last day of school?
Wondering, how could this happen?
How could we not go a day without gun violence?
How could this happen in our community?
In this city?
And when will this end?
What was thought to be a normal weekend
on a busy Saturday afternoon
8 lives were taken by a man
who, he himself could not live to answer our many questions.
Thoughts and prayers were posted on every social media platform Family and friends reaching out to each other to make sure they were ok News channels and radio stations reported the devastating news
The community absolutely shaken, trying to come together as it is a difficult time.
Many are saying they are tired of seeing these kinds of things,
And many ask for change.
And if you dare ask why, look at our country’s statistics.
In the 127 days of 2023, there had been 199 mass shootings.
I pray for those who are grieving and those who have lost.
I pray that we come together to make change.
Pray that our legislature will make changes and laws for dangerous firearms,
so that no one will have to receive a call to find that they had lost a child, a son, a daughter, a father, a mother, a brother, a sister, or any other family or friends, to gun violence.
I pray that seeing this will make a difference.
Because until then, we won't be safe anywhere.
And in fear that any and every breath could be our last.
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