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Play Possum

Play possum; act like you have died, especially if you cannot hide. Were there no exits to run to, pretending death is what I’d do. This strategy I’d not deride! Let’s say a shooter has been spied. Folks are running, scared through and through. To the floor, let your body slide . . . Play possum. The shooter likely will decide to chase those fleeing. don’t provide to such a madman any clue that you’re breathing. Even in view, lie still! Death might seem bona fide. Play possum. Oct. 20, 2021 Title #3: Play Possum for Edward Ibeh's Pick-A-Title, Vol 26 - Poetry Contest

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Sam Kauffman

Date: 11/4/2021 11:28:00 AM

Powerful Andrea. In this time of unexplainable shootings, yours is wisdom to be remembered. Congratulations on your win.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 11/3/2021 8:59:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. Your "Play Possum" is a wonderful story/write. Love This One. Have a blessed autumn day with your win...............

Bryan Norton

Date: 11/3/2021 7:08:00 AM

Great poem. Great advice. Another great message from you. My best wishes always, Bryan.

Christuraj Alex

Date: 11/3/2021 4:29:00 AM

"Folks are running, scared through and through" - A beautifully written poem. Congratulations!

Edward Ibeh

Date: 11/2/2021 3:42:00 PM

Wow, what a superb message poem, Andrea! Loved this. It should be posted in schools across the country, in my opinion! Heartiest congratulations on your win in my contest!

Panagiota Romios

Date: 10/24/2021 7:47:00 PM

Love your topic and poem! Great advice, too Pangie 10/24. 7:470m

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 10/22/2021 12:34:00 AM

Great advice, and you are supposed to do this also if a grizzly bear is sniffing your feet, but I am not sure that I could! A fine write Andrea.

Rico Leffanta
Date: 10/22/2021 11:32:00 AM

A natural response of goats and other species which only works when the predator is not hungry!

Rico Leffanta

Date: 10/21/2021 12:22:00 PM

As a survivor, I can assure you your solution DOES work as ANY movement may be perceived as a threat! Well said!

Rico Leffanta
Date: 10/22/2021 11:30:00 AM

Yes, several times. If you are concerned about your area, I recommend carrying a simple rubber door jamb with you, as an assailant is unlikely to take the time to break the door down unless a specifically targeted individual is in the room.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/21/2021 12:50:00 PM

wow, you were in such a situation?? I always imagined this and what I'd do if exits were too hard to get to. i also fantasized having a bottle of catsup on the table and squirting it all over my head to look like I had been shot in the head. haha I think it would be quite effective.

Mike Bayles

Date: 10/21/2021 7:07:00 AM

Nice, especially, "Death might seem bona fide. Play possum."

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 10/21/2021 1:44:00 AM

Loved your idea, but you need luck. You need to be perfectly still. Better still avoid danger if possible.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 10/20/2021 11:27:00 PM

A terrible situation to be in Andrea, You paint a chilling scene. Tom

Harry Horsman

Date: 10/20/2021 8:23:00 PM

Wow, this is different, a poem for these days, Andrea. Such stark reality. Like the poetry.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 10/20/2021 6:54:00 PM

Well done on this subject…scary one!

Sotto Poet

Date: 10/20/2021 6:38:00 PM

Andrea, your writing is excellent. I believe your suggestion has the potential to be a valuable opportunity. I wish you the best of luck in the competition.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/20/2021 5:48:00 PM

Sounds like a plan to me. I guess only for folks who can exert their 'white privilege,' however. lol. Smiles, Gershon

L Milton Hankins

Date: 10/20/2021 3:13:00 PM

Superb writing; a fine suggestion. Under the circumstance, I'm afraid I'd be so terrified, I don't know what I'd do. I'd probably have a heart attack and really die! Good luck in the contest, Andrea. I liked your possum!

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/20/2021 4:27:00 PM

I researched if it was a viable solution, and actually they said it's better to get to an exit, so i put in my poem (if there are no exits THEN play possum). I read that the worst thing people can do is hide in some little room like a restroom!!

Vijay Pandit

Date: 10/20/2021 1:28:00 PM

You chose a great form to give voice to your theme, Andrea. A survival technique that should keep one alive.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/20/2021 4:28:00 PM

Thanks, Vijay, It does not always work if the madman decides to just keep shooting into the people already fallen. But I think you have better chance than someone running right in front of the gunman!!