Where they left off...

Late April 1999

I wrote this poem in memory of the students massacred at Columbine High School April 20, 1999.

Fifteen lives
Snuffed out
Fourteen students and a teacher.
How could this be?
Why did this happen?
Fifteen lives
Cut short

Eight Christians
People no longer in pain
Followers of Christ
Are now with Christ.
They are with the One who gave His life
To save theirs.
Martyrs
So young

Funerals.
"God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life."
How could God's plan for their lives happen
When they are dead?
A nationally-televized funeral.
A challenge for teens to pick up
Where these students left off
Millions of teens
Around the world
Take their places.
Millions of followers of Christ
Take their places.
How many millions
Will find Christ
Because of this tragedy?
"God is in control."

Families
Left behind
Grieving their loss
Rejoicing Heaven's gain
Some students
Falling at the feet of the Almighty God
Other students
Falling for all eternity
In an endless fiery abyss

"God is in control."
God knew this would happen
Now see God work
Through the tragedy
To bring countless millions into the fold
How many millions
Will be saved from the abyss?
How many millions
Will take their place
To spread God's word?

Only God
Can bring joy from a tragedy
Only God
Can heal a fallen nation
May God have all the praise and all the glory!

All poetry © Steven Sauke. All Rights Reserved.