and so, when i went to work today, i was asked the question. the one i knew was inevitably coming. the one for which there is no answer, really.

why?

and there is subtext within the question. they know before they even ask, that I have no special insight. but they want me to tell them it couldn’t happen here. they want me to tell them that this country, these people are different. they want me to tell them it’s american, rather than human. that there’s some unique confluence of characteristics and circumstance which only happens in places like american schools.

they want me to tell them they’re safe. even when they know it’s not true.

and lord knows, i wish i could. because then i’d be safe too.

elliot smith – needle in the hay

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