LETTERS: SAD STORY FROM A VICTIM'S POINT OF VIEW

To the editor:

Here is something that was e-mailed to me that I would like to share with your readers:

Mommy: A Sad Story

Johnny brought a gun to school.

He told his friends that it was cool.

And when he pulled the trigger back

It shot with a great crack.

Mommy, I was a good girl. I did what I was told

I went to school. I got straight A's. I even got the gold.

But, Mommy, when I went to school that day, I never said goodbye.

I'm sorry, Mommy, I had to go. But, Mommy, please don't cry.

When Johnny shot the gun, he hit me and another,

And all because Johnny got the gun from his older brother.

Mommy, please tell Daddy that I love him very much.

And please tell Chris, my boyfriend, that it wasn't just a crush.

And tell my little sister that she is the only now.

And tell my dear, sweet grandmother I'll be waiting for her now.

And tell my wonderful friends that they always were the best.

Mommy, I'm not the first. I'm no better than the rest.

Mommy, tell my teachers I won't show up for class,

And never to forget this and please don't let this pass.

Mommy, why'd it have to be me? No one deserves this.

Mommy, warn the others. Mommy, I left without a kiss.

And, Mommy, tell the doctors I know they really did try.

I think I even saw a doctor trying not to cry.

Mommy, I'm slowly dying with a bullet in my chest.

But, Mommy, please remember I'm in heaven with the rest.

Mommy, I ran as fast as I could when I heard that crack.

Mommy, listen to me if you would. I'm not coming back.

I wanted to go to college. I wanted to try things that were new.

I guess I'm not going with Daddy on that trip to the new zoo.

I wanted to get married. I wanted to have a kid.

I wanted to be an actress. Mommy, I wanted to live.

But, Mommy, I must go now. The time is getting late.

Mommy, tell my boyfriend I'm sorry, but I had to cancel the date.

I love you, Mommy. I always have. I know you know it's true.

And, Mommy, all it wanted to say is, "Mommy, I love you."

PHILIP JESTUS

Cape Girardeau