(inspired by the terrible tragedy @ Columbine High School)

the sadness in our childrens eyes
the young & oh so very wise
the smiles sometimes a disquise
to hide inside what really lies...
the anger turned to bitter rage
the violence locked inside the cage
inside their hearts the battles wage
the books they read, they missed a page...
the tender love now becomes hate
a twist & turn has changed their fate
thoughts they now can not debate
what's missed too soon is now to late
our children we love now they die
how hopeless for our future lives
senseless killings and we ask why?
why we didn't see the signs
the signs hidden in our childrens eyes...

� Penny Cook 4/30/99