BROWARD COUNTY, FL

Another mass school shooting
Occurred in Florida today.
Seventeen killed--teachers
And students who thought
It was just an ordinary school day.

A former student who had been expelled
As a troublemaker, brought guns
And terror to the school's halls.
Everyone always said if something
Happened--he'd be the one.

Parents waited in trepidation--
Waiting to see if their child
Had survived.  Cries of joy could
Be heard when they saw them.  Sobs
Of pain if no news had been filed.

The nation feels your pain--we
All are horrified by what happened.
We send love, prayers, and condolences.
As well as counselors and support groups.
We all wonder:  when will it end?

Gone are the days when kids
Could go to school and not be
Afraid of being killed.  Metal
Detectors and drills in case of mass
Shootings are now necessary.

Please God, watch over all of
Us.  Let us be  able to shop, ride
In a car, worship in our churches,
And live our lives without fear
Of someone picking us to die.

We stand with the people
Of Broward County and
All the other places where mass
Shootings have occurred.  Because
In America, UNITED WE STAND.