'the Bitter Price

Twelve little girls and eight little boys
Each one the source of their parent’s joys,
Innocent children following rules,
Paper and pencils their magical tools.

Holidays coming, rehearsal of plays,
These were the most exciting of days.
Safe in their classroom as their teacher smiled
Noting the presence of each beloved child.

No inkling of trouble, no feeling of doom
Until a mad man invaded the room.
I so hope these children had no time for fear
And had no idea that death was so near.

Six brave teachers went to their deaths,
Protecting the children with very last breaths.
The big gates of heaven then opened wide
For six  teachers ushering children inside.

Twenty small children are angels today,
And six faithful teachers in Heaven to stay.
Mothers and fathers and siblings and more
Are mourning their loved ones whom they adore.

The teachers who willingly gave up their lives
To protect their charges were daughters and wives.
Some had their own children whom they left behind.
No braver soldiers could one ever find.

A whole town is weeping for dear ones they lost.
How long must innocents bear the high cost
For folks who clamor for right to bear arms?
You’d  think such mayhem would lessen guns' charms.

These things will keep happening, the danger unchanged,
Until we keep assault rifles from hands of deranged.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Street Avatar
June 1, 2014 at 4:45 PM
While Deep In Their Jungles The Zulu Stood Proud, Till Entered His Europe With Guns And A Shout....Down Came Another Kingdom Upon This Road Which They Paved; Stones Carved Her Sorrows Amid Many Mankind's Wretched Ways ? Truly, Their Wicked Rule This World ¿ Congratulations, Upon Your Extremely Poignant As Potently Stirring Featured Painting Brushed Of Love....Always, Jeremy *
A   Avatar
January 8, 2013 at 2:30 PM
JOYCE, stopping by to say hi and read your winning poem in the "" poetry soup VIGIL"'' contest by my sister Sidney... a nice and heartfelt poem to read. have yourself a good day. always & forever ~LINDA
A  Avatar
December 29, 2012 at 7:22 PM
Joyce, congrats with the warmness and compassion from your pen~SKAT
Dietrich Avatar
December 29, 2012 at 11:15 AM
I echo Ilene's comment: VERY WELL SAID. Where will it all end?
Bauer Avatar
December 18, 2012 at 5:07 PM
very well said! i wish the people in charge were reading this!
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