It’s just a normal day

In school,

We think it is okay;

We are fools.

Then, a warning;

Sudden, it calls

Alarming:

“There’s a shooter in the halls”

Panic, fear, quiet

In the darkness

How can we be silent

When we’re under such duress?

Running, faster,

Hide yourself from sight.

Fear now is our master,

Its grip is black and tight

Then, a shot!

Rattling at the door-

In our mind’s a question’s caught:

‘What do we have to live for?’

Terror, darkness, pain

Screaming, pain, and beating hearts;

Like fire in the rain

Bullets fly like darts-

No wait, they’re blanks,

It’s just a drill! we say,

Then look among our ranks

Yes, we’re all okay.

Yes, we’re all okay,

Except for those of us,

Who didn’t get the call

Today.

_____

I wrote this after a drill at school, which we were not prepared for. Several of the intercomms didn't work, and a lot of us got 'shot'. Thanks, Ballinger ISD.