Sanctuary Poem by Robert John Meehan

In the stillness of the moment
Our eyes quietly meet
A nod from me affirming
Good behavior in their seat

La Tisha and Amanda
Quietly working at their task
While Frederick and La Tonya
File up for questions yet to ask

Robert and Desmond
With counselor soon to meet
As Brian and Keisha
Resist playing footsie with their feet

In the solitude of the morning
My class is all on task
A smile from me OKing
There'll be time for questions yet to ask

I can hear Michael sighing
As yesterday's homework's done
While noticing all the while
That Sara's just begun

With pencil to the paper
A whispering sound I hear
As Clarissa and Latonya
To Rhonda lend an ear

Nikki and Lakisha
This quiet moment to invest
Both silently preparing
Knowing tomorrow brings a test

Brandon and Malinda
Their attention never waning
Even Tyrone and Kevin
New knowledge are obtaining

While Anthony intently studies
The biography of Dr. King
Jackie's yet perceiving
Her book's new wonders soon to spring

Nodding and affirming
My smile fans the class
Not a sound unconfirming
That they're mindful of their task

THE SOUND OF TIRES SCREECHING
Interrupts our private life
As little bodies scramble
To the gunfire's ambient strife

Glass shattering around them
Each immediate sanctuary sought
As frightened eyes seek out mine
Wondering what of this we wrought

No...Not just another drive-by
But the unveiling of a not so innocent truth

No...Not just another drive-by
But a vile invasion of our precious youth


(copyright 1993-2019)