funny, isn't it?
no one ever really thinks
about what happens
after a school shooting

someone has to wander
down each hall
and tear out stained carpet
darkened and then thrown out

someone has to clean the walls
spray down each brick
with disinfectant
cleansing away what remains

someone has to look through
old lockers
give jackets and folders
to parents

someone has to convince
everyone else
to come back tomorrow
that it's fine now

someone has to stay in bed

someone has to sit alone at lunch

someone has to have a substitute

someone has to reconsider
saying the pledge of allegiance