the children were restless, their wish lists full.
The teachers were teaching up at the board
but the thoughts of the kids to gifts and Santa soared.
The office staff was busy keeping things running
while parents were doing last-minute gift-hunting.
A quiet little town doing quiet little things
preparing for the festivities a holiday brings.
When out in the hall there arose such a clatter.
Teachers peeked out to see what was the matter.
In fear, they gathered in the corner with their kids.
Praying they didn't hear what they were sure they did.
Then there was a silence like never before.
None dared to go near or even crack the door.
Until brave first responders answered the cries
guiding the kids out, telling them to close their eyes.
They told them to run to the firehouse quick.
The kids now knowing that this was no trick.
More rapid than eagles, the parents, they came.
Frantically shouting, calling their children's names.
Falling on their knees and hugging them tight
some parents took their children home for the night.
While others, sadly, will go home with just tears
to begin to heal and recover from their worst fears.
Stockings will be taken down and packed away with care
gifts left unopened, the recipients no longer there.
The nation mourns with those suffering this loss
holding each other in prayer, love, and thought.
MBK
12/14/12
