In dedication of the April 16th shooting at Virginia Tech. Many of my friends go to Tech, and they were lucky that they were not on that area of campus.

May all those who lost their lives rest in peace.

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Just Another Monday

Wake up

Roll out of bed

Head for class.

German this morning.

Guten tag, Good morning,

How are you today?

Did you check your email?

No, why are you asking?

Something weird

I heard about.

Class begins.

Pencils scratch,

Papers shuffle,

Footsteps approach

From the hall.

The door opens

With a slam,

Shots ring out.

People scream.

Blood fills the air.

Bodies hit the floor.

Thunder rings in my ears.

Fresh air,

People jumping out the window.

I leap.

Wind, branches, leaves,

Scratching my arms and legs.

The world is in shades of gray.

Someone is holding me.

Who is it?

What happened?

Why did he do that?

I'll sitting on the back

Of an ambulance.

Blanket around my shoulders

Friends at my side.

Our poor teacher,

My classmates.

Why weren't we warned?

Why weren't we warned?

It was supposed to be

Just another Monday...

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As stated earlier, I have friends in Tech. I hope this reaches them, and lets them know that others around the USA are there for them. They are not alone in this plight.

Jessica Hoeting

Freshman, Chowan University, NC