I was three years old when I began learning to count
A simple 1, 2, 3 on fingers and toes
I was trying to solve this puzzle

Now at 17 I am counting the minutes left in class
The days until summer
The assignments I have left to finish

8 people

6 attacks
132 dead and counting

I have one body
With two feet
And I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop

11
13
20
15

I have a conversation with my Algebra teacher
It is different for you she says
Your wars have always been, since the day of your birth almost
There has been this backdrop of hate and violence

I say nothing
I know my dates

Ireland 1998 Omagh Bombings
29 Dead
220 injured

I am born
I know my dates

India 2005 Delhi Bombings
70 Dead
250  injured

I am 7 years old
I know my dates

Iraq 2007 Haraj Market Attacks
131 dead
186 injured

I am 9 years old
I know my dates 

France 2015 Paris Attacks
433 Injured
99 in critical condition
132 dead and counting

I have one mind
With two sides
And I am waiting to see which wins out

My anger                                                                                                                                                 My sorrow

My confusion                                                                                                                                         My Bitterness

Red                                                                                                                                                                Blue 

                                     White

I am waiting for the day when
We can stop counting the dead
Stop memorizing the years in conflict
Stop teaching our children
Life is a numbers game