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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.

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Line Gauthier

Date: 4/9/2018 8:23:00 AM

Powerful write. Congrats with this most deserving win, Reason.

Reason A. Poteet
Date: 4/9/2018 8:40:00 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

Date: 4/7/2018 7:47:00 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
Date: 4/8/2018 3:02:00 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

Date: 4/5/2018 5:19:00 PM

Excellent write Reason.. congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve ~`*

Reason A. Poteet
Date: 4/6/2018 7:01:00 PM

I thank you, Eve, and welcome your comment.

Sandra Haight

Date: 4/5/2018 3:48:00 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
Date: 4/6/2018 7:15:00 PM

Thank you, Sandra. I appreciate your commendation and comment.

Carole Duet

Date: 4/5/2018 12:14:00 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
Date: 4/6/2018 7:15:00 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

Date: 4/5/2018 12:11:00 PM

A well written engrossing poem filled with pain that tugs at the heart. Well done my friend, Emile.

Reason A. Poteet
Date: 4/6/2018 7:02:00 PM

Thank you, Emile, for the new form and for the encouraging comment and placement.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 3/20/2018 7:23:00 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
Date: 3/21/2018 8:51:00 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.