Poets Respond to the Uvalde Tragedy, Part 16
LAMENT for ROBB ELEMENTARY, I
May 24, 2022
By JUAN PEREZ
How could I ever find the words to say
to keep a place I love from such sorrow
to just do something instead of nothing
to being present that day to stop him
How could I ever find the words to say
that I would gladly give my life for yours
just to see you live from the great beyond
where my life was already half-way spent
How could I ever find the words to say
not just as a teacher but as a father
to help guide you away from this mistake
as I’ve likely done for many others
How could I ever find the words to say
the very words that would erase this day
LAMENT for ROBB ELEMENTARY, II
May 24, 2022
By JUAN PEREZ
I see you buying those guns from that store
the very one I’ve been inside before
where I’ve bought things and sat down for a bite
yes, the very one on the news tonight
I see you buying those guns from that store
question is: what is the point of your score
did the gun-pimping clerks pay attention
did they see your death in ammunition
I see you buying those guns from that store
an “oasis” it’s not, forever more
did they see your face on every paper
those unlucky lines of such a caper
I see you buying those guns from that store
with every round and the hate that they bore