How Much Does Life Cost? (Inspired by the Colorado Theater Massacre of 2012) | Teen Ink
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How Much Does Life Cost? (Inspired by the Colorado Theater Massacre of 2012)

August 11, 2012
By shaylapurple16 PLATINUM, Hong Kong, Other
More by this author
shaylapurple16 PLATINUM, Hong Kong, Other
29 articles 0 photos 15 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Writing doesn’t mean deciding to sit still all of your life and think. Ideas come from living and experiencing life, and then stepping back to think." -Shayla

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How much does life cost,
If people treat themselves,
As well as others,
In a friendly, loving manner?

How much does life cost,
If other people have no regard,
For their own lives,
And the lives of innocent others?

How much does life cost,
If people have the desire to,
Completely give up; discard their lives,
And cause others pain?

How much does life cost,
And what are you supposed to do,
When you wake up to see your imagination's nightmare,
Is the horrific daytime reality?

How much does life cost,
When it is so precious you can’t price it,
Yet to some, so insignificant,
It could be thrown away?

How much does life cost?

© Jessica P., Bethel Park, PA

The author's comments:
The Aurora, Colorado Movie Theater Mass Shooting of July 20, 2012 was what inspired me to write this poem. My family was in a hotel on our summer vacation the night that this happened, and we fell asleep with the TV on the news channel. My mom woke up early in the morning, telling my dad about how she had a dream about the events that were being reported on the news, and how real it was. It was devastating to find out that her nightmare, was actually our world's reality. I hope when people read this poem they will analyze the world around them in a better way, and their own actions. My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and the Aurora, Colorado community.
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"I say what I want to say and do what I want to do. There's no in between. People will either love you for it or hate you for it. "

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This article has 2 comments.

Jakefrog BRONZE said...
on Aug. 28 2012 at 7:52 am
Jakefrog BRONZE, Hong Kong, Other
2 articles 1 photo 1 comment
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hi shayla!
Karen said...
on Aug. 24 2012 at 11:03 pm
Dear Shayla, Yes, life is oh so precious. Please try to continue to make good choices while remembering to value your life and the lives of others.