Apology

(This poem was prompted by a Facebook post from a mother about how to talk to her preschooler about guns and shooting, and how her child had nightmares after she did so…. Unfortunately I have no answers)

To you, young children, we want to profusely apologize

For being unable to raise you in a society civilized

Without fear, even before you have learnt your R’s three

In hiding below desks you are gaining mastery

Participating in active shooter drills while we pray

That your innocence would not be prematurely snatched away

As you come out of the shadows of pandemic isolation

You are being forced to prepare for violent situations

The world is an unsafe and scary place

But violence is something you should not have to face

Least of all in school- how can we expect you to learn

When danger seems to lurk at every turn..

*

My dear children, we have failed you

In providing a sense of security, a safe milieu…