COLUMBINE FIFTEEN

From ground zero, the shocking ripples reverberate! From the heart of a nation, the cry still goes out, And continues on with unabated tears. The healing begins with mournful sobs and angry shouts. Who is to blame for this heinous sin? Who can stop the swelling pain? Look in the mirror, then cover it black. We are all to blame for this murderous act. We, who spend only a fraction of our day With those closest to our hearts, We are to blame for their wayward paths. We didn't see it coming...didn't see it start. We didn't care enough to ask the hardest questions Or force the toughest issues, to pull tightly on the reins. We didn't once think about their future or their pain. Now it's too late for Fifteen to ever smile again. But it's not too late for those of us left behind in the wake, Not too late for us to change; to ask the questions, Or demand of ourselves a new commitment, To give our children a new day; hope filled suggestions. Look into the sacred eyes of your children Look into their hearts with a new understanding. It does take a village to raise your child. But, it all starts with your decision to be present and demanding. Plan to be there for them, no matter what! Never give them up to a harsh and hopeless world. Every day, every minute...stop thinking only of yourself. Emerse your heart into the life of your boys and your girls. Out from ground zero, Columbine's Fifteen Will not have died in vain, if they have made us see The need for total commitment in the shaping of young lives; Young lives that are our future. It lies in our children's eyes. Look closely, look deeply. Do not turn away. Copyright Chula Fleming April 20, 1999