This is a dedication to those who were lost in the Newton, Connecticut massacre…

To start off… I don't know why people do these things, especially in places where children are sent to learn and grow… and it's most upsetting that it happened close to Christmas, and how 20 kids will be celebrating it in heaven… I hate it when these things happen, and pray that every day it doesn't happen to my own kids, or any other kids I know.

I put this in the Calvin and Hobbes category because they're mostly known for poetry, and after talking with a friend about this idea the comic came to mind. Please read, and say a prayer for those who are in need of comfort after such a tragedy.

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Mom sends me off to school, despite I put up a fight

I didn't know that once I got home,

She was going to hold me tight.

The day dragged on in class, and I let my mind wonder

The last thing that was on my mind

Was that I could have been a goner.

When math came, that's when my imagination sprang

And I shot out onto the playground…

Minutes later, I heard the first bang.

There screams and cries for help, coming from inside

Teachers hid their kids,

Though some sadly died.

More gunshots rang through the air

And out of fear I hid behind the slide

My heart racing with shock and despair.

I crouched low, covering my ears, tears falling from my eyes

Trying to down out the horrible sounds

Of gunshots and painful cries.

I don't know how long it was until I saw the police arrive

Investigating what madman caused all this

And tending to those still alive.

I ran over to Susie—thankful to see my class had been spared

Seeing me, she hugged me tight

(I didn't think she cared)

The shooter was dead, having committed suicide.

I didn't know about anyone else,

But I'm glad the psycho died.

We were sent home to our families, who were no doubt worried sick

As the bus drove down the road I began to think

Of life, and how it could end so quick.

I do not know why that man did such a thing to our school

What drove him to it, but all I know is

No excuse is good enough for something so cruel.

I looked at my fellow classmates, who all cried in grieving

Some had brothers or sisters

And didn't know they'd be leaving.

The news spread like wild fire across the nation

And people wonder in despair

How such horror could exist in God's creation.

The bus stopped at my house, and Mom rushed out the door

Not waiting for me to walk off the bus

Grabbing me, crying and crying more.

Despite how much trouble I cause and turn her hair gray

She held me tight and thanked God over and over

That I was okay.

She held me until Dad came home, and he did the same

Holding me and telling me how much he was thankful

That I survived the day's danger that came.

They allowed me to sleep in their bed that night

Still worried about my well-being,

And I took the offer, for my heart was still filled with fright.

My tiger curled up beside me, also happy to see

That his best friend in the world

Made it through the tragedy.

As I slept that night, I began to think deep thoughts

About how much my family really meant to me

And how I would be if they were lost…

I held my friend tight, snuggling close to my Mom and Dad

Thinking about the parents who lost their kids…

Knowing they were facing a merciless level of sad.

The presents they had bought for their daughters and sons

Never to be opened that Christmas morning

For they were some of the lost ones.

I cried in my sleep, thankful for being saved

Given to chance to see another day

And spared from a premature grave.

I will remember this day as I live long

And I now realize it's true when they say

"You Don't Know What You've Got Until It's Gone."

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Thank you for reading, and God bless the town of Newton.