The following is a poem written in response to a school shooting a little over a year ago in Minneapolis. I find myself all too often turning to poetry to express my grief and horror at the terrifying violence that seems to stalk the land. While I believe deeply in the Constitution, including the 2nd Amendment, I also believe we must address the epidemic of gun violence we’re enduring. Once again, news of slaughtered and injured innocent children and teachers dominates headlines. Grieving families and communities grapple with the unimagineable, while being offered empty thoughts and prayers. Common sense gun laws and meaningful funding to address mental health issues would be steps in the right direction. Having a serious, respectful dialogue about how best to address this plague on a national level is a necessity. By the way, my Harper is my granddaughter, and I don’t want to imagine this nightmare in my life, but I do, every time this happens again. Meanwhile, I continue to pour my guts out in my poetry. Maybe this poem will speak to you… Not Again (Written on the occasion of another school shooting, Annunciation Catholic Church, Minneapolis MN 08/27/2025) A perfect day, school begins again, Blue skies, clear air, excitement filling every breast, Children sit barely contained, between the pews, between the lines Stage whispers await Mass, sunlight in rainbow colors slanting Through stained glass windows, dust motes sparkle In golden hues, crimson reds, ocean blues and verdant greens. Abruptly, chaos ensues in the innocent morning, bullets Crash through tall windows depicting the love of God. For the love of God, not again, not again. Upon hearing the news, parents rush to their children’s sides Hearts gripped by icy fingers, a polar fear, dread freezing into a hard stone At the touch of a chilling stalker. Not here, Not Again A little girl, Harper, like my Harper. Both, ten years old, both funny and silly and full of life, full of innocence, so loved. One now irrevocably gone, in the time it took someone else’s child to pull a trigger. Yet again.
