Tears Thus Ensnared

The tragic school violence that occurred yesterday in Winder, Georgia killing two students and two teachers and also injuring nine others, occurred just twelve miles down the road from me in the neighboring county. Its impact and echoing grief are felt all around. There have been far too many school-related incidents like this since Columbine High in 1998. Having worked in a school environment for twenty-two years, I know firsthand the amount of preparation required, as well as the possibility and prevailing fear of such an event. I would like to say that no matter which candidate you support, let’s come together and strive in every way possible – do whatever is needed – to ensure our kids stay safe, especially while in school. School should be for learning, enrichment, and fun. This kind of violence should never happen, even more so when it's instigated by a fourteen-year-old.

Please help keep schools safe.

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Silence surrounds and unsurmountable fear resonates while

In but a moment, the violence of insanity intrepid invades

Lingering like a wraith, it preys on innocence, lying in wait,

Encapsulating never ending horror, destruction, and grief,

Numbing the mind with non-extinguishable disbelief.

Cascading like a pestilent plague, the overwhelming despair

Echoes in hearts shattered with tears thus ensnared.