Poetry

Barry Stock photo

By

Laura Atanacio Edington

They Asked Me If I Wanted a Gun

When I needed a locking cabinet to hide away my purse and answers to quizzes

I was told no

there was no money in the budget

When I asked for a new computer

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I needed new software for my computer

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I asked for new curriculum

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I needed desks because I had students sitting on the floor

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I asked for textbooks because each student didn’t have one

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I needed copy paper to run off tests and information for my students

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I asked for staples, and pencils, and pens

I was told no

there was no money in the budget

When I needed mildewed ceiling tiles replaced before someone became ill

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I asked for Clorox wipes and Kleenex during flu season

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I needed a bus to take students to a museum exhibit

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I asked for money to pay a professional speaker

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I needed funds for an afterschool program

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I asked for counseling for my students

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I needed a school car to do a home visit

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

When I asked for fees to attend educational conferences

I was told no

there was no money in the budget

When I needed a raise after ten years of stagnant pay

I was told no

There was no money in the budget

And now they ask me if I want a gun.

In the words of a teenage Florida student, “I’m calling BS.”

America, 2018

We wrap ourselves in God’s guns

like security blankets

that become shrouds

and Jesus weeps.

Laura Atanacio Edington