1.
I heard how you boarded a van,
asked which girl was Malala
then shot her in the head.
2.
Your fear-riddled act made
brave words famous.
3.
I teach at a school that gives tours every Tuesday.
Come.
Don’t bring a gun -
we don’t allow gum.
4.
All day that I gathered my classes outside
to look at the sky, wanting to make sure
the children noticed enormous dark clouds
stealing our view of the mountains while
the sun’s piercing light dazzled
the mounting storm’s edges, creating
exquisite lines.
We had to shield our eyes.
5.
Wind-tossed hair and dresses went unnoticed.
Peg Quinn is a 2010 Pushcart Prize nominee, art specialist at a private school and mural painter.