They are hiding under desks again
The school bell rings, the bullets rain
So say a prayer
And offer your condolences.
They are living out the lockdown drill
They are breathing in and keeping still
So send a tweet
And say a prayer
And offer your condolences.
They are lying in the corridors
In the classrooms, gym, and old school hall
So play a round of golf
And send a tweet
And say a prayer
And offer your condolences.
They are laying down the flowers again
Next month they will do the same
So just do fuck all
And play a round of golf
And send a tweet
And say a prayer
And offer your condolences.
Brian Bilston's Poetry Laboetry 
Thank you for this and all of your funny and/or serious and/or thought-provoking poetry. Thank you.
And thank you, Lisa, for your thank you. That’s a really great thing to hear.
Written succinctly on this glaring, ongoing issue that the politicians ignore, barring ‘offering condolences’. Shame on them.
I’m British American and know this does not happen elsewhere. The surviving students are starting to mobilize themselves in protest…
Thank you for adding your timely voice.
Well said. Each time I hope that something will change. My prayers are that the students will have an impact.
Thank you for this poem Brian. I shared it and hope it goes viral. It needs to. Maybe you could submit it to the NY Times….
Thanks, Sam. I wish it was the kind of thing that had no cause to go viral.
You always get it right!
I love your way with words, Sir Brian!! You’re simply brilliant!!
America, in general, is a mess. At this point, I’m downright embarrassed to admit that I’m half American (and currently living in America). I recently wrote a little poem titled “USA,” which I then set to the melody of “Yesterday” by Paul McCartney. (YouTube link below) I’d love to try my hand at setting some of *your* poems to music! 🎶🎶
Love it!
Thank you! 😊
By the way, here’s the not-so-family-friendly version of “USA,” which likewise fits the melody of “Yesterday” by Paul McCartney.
(Verse 1)
USA, what has happened? Seems you’ve lost your way
On the tube we see it ev’ry day
How USA has gone astray
(Verse 2)
Red and blue—blood and bruises—those two dueling hues
Deadly riots and unending feuds
When will we hear some brighter news?
(Bridge)
Many years ago you did glow in your success
Now the glory’s gone and you’re one big f****** mess (mess, mess, mess)
(Verse 3)
USA, Trump’ting elephants and donkey’s bray
Land of beasts that squabble ev’ry day
America, you’ve gone “cray cray”
(Bridge)
Many years ago you did glow in your success
Now the glory’s gone and you’re one big f****** mess (mess, mess, mess)
(Verse 4)
USA, Trump’ting elephants and donkey’s bray
Land of beasts that squabble ev’ry day
Oh, “cray cray” is the USA
Mm mm mm mm U S A
*****************************************************************************************
Lyric notes that might be helpful to non-Americans:
– Red is the color associated with the Republican Party.
– Blue is the color associated with the Democratic Party.
– The elephant is the symbol of the Republican Party.
– The donkey is the symbol of the Democratic Party.
– “Cray cray” is slang (mainly in the U.S.) for “crazy.”
– “Trump’ting” (Elephants make a sound, known as a trumpet, to signal excitement, aggression and distress. Couldn’t resist the play on words!)
Excellent!