Getting high meant swinging on the playground.

The worst thing I could get from a boy was cooties.

My worst enemies were my siblings.

Race issues were who could run the fastest, no one got called names.

War was only a card game, no one got killed.

The only drug I knew of was cough medicine.

Wearing a skirt didn’t mean I was a slut.

The only thing I smoked was the tires on my bike.

The only thing that hurt was skinned knees and elbows.

The only tank that needed to be filled was the one on my squirt gun.

The only things that could get broken were my toys.

Life was simple and carefree but what I remember wanting most was to grow.

Mommy… Johnny brought a gun to school,

He told his friends that it was cool,

And when he pulled the trigger back,

It shot with a great crack.

Mommy, I was a good girl, I did what I was stole,

I went to school, I got straight A’s, I even got the gold!

But mommy, when I went to school that day,

I never said good-bye,

I’m sorry mommy, I had to go.

But mommy, please don’t cry.

When Johnny shot the gun, he hit me and another

All because Johnny got the gun from his older brother.

Mommy, please tell Daddy; that I love him very much.

And please tell Chris, my boyfriend; that it wasn’t just a crush.

And please tell my little sister; that she is the only one now,

And tell my dear, sweet grandmother; that I’ll be waiting for her now,

And tell my wonderful friends; that they were always the best,

Mommy, I’m not the first, I’m no better than the rest.

Mommy, tell my teachers; I won’t show up for class.

And never to forget this, and please don’t let this pass.

Mommy, why’d it have to be me? No one deserves this,

Mommy, warn the others.

Mommy, I left without a kiss.

And mommy, tell the doctors; I know they really did try.

I think I ever saw a doctor trying not to cry.

Mommy, I’m slowly dying, with a bullet in my chest.

But mommy, please remember, I’m in heaven with the rest.

Mommy, I ran as fast as I could when I heard that crack.

Mommy, listen to me if you would.

I wanted to go to college; I wanted to try things that were new.

I guess I’m not going with daddy on that trip to the new zoo.

I wanted to get married; I wanted to have a kid.

I wanted to be an actress.

Mommy, I wanted to live.

But Mommy, I must go now, the time is getting late,

Mommy, tell my Chris, I’m sorry but I have to cancel the date.

I love you mommy, I always have; I know, you know it’s true.

Mommy, all I wanted to say is, “Mommy, I love you.”

***In memory of the Columbine Students whose lives were lost***

Kayla 16 11