“It could happen here”
That’s what his friend said
The words circle in his mind
He repeats it to me
Pleading with his eyes
For it not to be true
How do I comfort him
When I can’t assure him
That it won’t happen here
That it won’t happen to him
He moves onto playing
Racing cars around the room
I’m left sitting in the injustice
Of schools turned crimes scenes
Of children learning the protocol
In case it happens here
Because it could happen here
We can’t deny it
But can we change it
Can we give our kids the gift
Of not having to wonder
If it will happen here