The poetry magazine, “Rattle” posted a photograph of a startled black cat with a bristling tail and asked folks to write a poem in response based on that image. Here is my contribution.
A Response to Trump’s Decree: Hiss!
Hiss!
You startled me.
Why?
Your assertion that it would be great
If teachers armed themselves with guns
To protect children in the classroom
Shocked me
My tail bristles
At your audacity
Like a cat assaulted by a belligerent bulldog
I cringe
At your outrageous logic
I have to wake up every morning
Drive to school
As I walk into the office, I wonder
“Is today going to be the day?”
“Will we have another lock down?”
“Will it end peacefully?”
“Or not?”
I pass by the principal
Wearing an ear bud
Standing sentinel by the front chain gate
Shaking the hands of each backpacked child
Who walks in
Solemnly
On the alert
Knowing that it only takes one
Disgruntled
Misunderstood
Bereft
Lonely
Disturbed
Unbalanced
Kid
To wreck destruction
And death
Upon an entire school
How do you read the minds
Of every individual?
How do you make sure
That no one slips through the cracks?
The principal knows
Arming his teachers won’t stop the madness
Only keeping the weapons
away from the distraught
can end this rein of terror
So excuse me if I bristle
At your outrageous suggestion
Watch out for my claws
And expect a swipe from my paw
Give me back the peace
Of a classroom of students
Happily engaged
Stretching their imaginations
Strengthening their sense of worth
Preparing for a life of success
Take away the madness
Of a decree compensating teachers
Who carry guns
When I can’t even get compensation
For paper and pencils
I am trained to create
Not to kill
I refuse to cower to your reason
And will use my vote
To change the gun laws
And kick you out
Hiss!