Reason A. Poteet Poet Blank verse

When Words Fail

February fourteenth shock,
headline news, no valentine.
Fourteen students stilled, shot without regard 
for who they were or who they might become,
in complete shock, their families and friends.
Three adults unselfishly
put their bodies in danger.
Others too regarding innocent kids, 
proved how very professional they are;
they'll teach anti-violence to their deaths.
Momentary lack of sense, 
a future moment ignored,
with florid disregard for liberty
fiendish nineteen-year-old Floridian
flaunted common sense only fooling one.
Students across this country
in a March fourteenth walkout
spoke against weapons in the hands of youth. 
When words fail to register right from wrong,
more laws will never stop misuse of guns.
Responsible behavior
is taught best when also shown.  


written March 15, 2018
Seven-ten contest (blank verse w/o meter) - host, Emile Pinet.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Line Gauthier April 9, 2018 at 8:23 AM Powerful write. Congrats with this most deserving win, Reason. Reason A. Poteet April 9, 2018 at 8:40 AM So glad for the read and encouragement. It is a sad topic that needs to be addressed. The media is tearing two survivors in pieces from what I read.

Susan Gentry April 7, 2018 at 7:47 PM Congratulations on your win with this timely well-written, informative tribute to those lost. Also a heartfelt tribute to the courageous ones involved. I can only hope I would be so selfless. Reason A. Poteet April 8, 2018 at 3:02 PM I thank you, Susan, for reading and stating your empathy with the subject matter. Sometimes the extreme necessity for action brings out the best in people; they forget themselves in honor of others -- a worthy trait.

Eve Roper April 5, 2018 at 5:19 PM Excellent write Reason.. congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve ~`* Reason A. Poteet April 6, 2018 at 7:01 PM I thank you, Eve, and welcome your comment.

Sandra Haight April 5, 2018 at 3:48 PM Yes, a timely, well-written poem about such a sad happening, Reason. Congratultions on your fine placement in the contest. Sandra Reason A. Poteet April 6, 2018 at 7:15 PM Thank you, Sandra. I appreciate your commendation and comment.

Carole Duet April 5, 2018 at 12:14 PM Great poem, Reason. So perfectly timely for a perfectly horrible and sad incident. As a former teacher myself I just can't even imagine the horror of this tragedy. Congrats on your well-deserved placement in the contest. Reason A. Poteet April 6, 2018 at 7:15 PM I was fortunate not to have ever had to face such a tragedy as a teacher. Thanks for your supportive reply and I welcome your comment.

Emile Pinet April 5, 2018 at 12:11 PM A well written engrossing poem filled with pain that tugs at the heart. Well done my friend, Emile. Reason A. Poteet April 6, 2018 at 7:02 PM Thank you, Emile, for the new form and for the encouraging comment and placement.

Caren Krutsinger March 20, 2018 at 7:23 AM I almost did not allow myself to read this, because my feelings are so strong, but you expressed what I could not. Thank you Reason. Reason A. Poteet March 21, 2018 at 8:51 PM I am glad you did, thanks for commenting. As a former teacher and a grandparents with 2 kids in schools, my faith in God is the only thing that got me through those and these scary times. The world has gotten colder and more cruel since I began teaching in 1965.

Jan Allison March 15, 2018 at 2:03 PM Bravo Reason, a powerfully penned poem on such a tragic event and I love your ending couplet:-) hugs Jan xx Reason A. Poteet March 15, 2018 at 3:36 PM Thank you, Jan, being a former teacher, I wonder what I would have done in such a catastrophic attack.

Vijay Pandit March 15, 2018 at 1:52 PM An apt topic! Your sentiments shared by many--well written, RAP. Reason A. Poteet March 15, 2018 at 3:35 PM thanks, Vijay, a sad day with more to come, I sadly think.