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As topics of gun control and raising death tolls loom over United States politics, many common allegories encapsulate the true devastation, fear, and heartbreak that occurs at the loss loved ones to gun violence. These poems aim to criticize lawmakers’ inaction and familiarize school shooting victim’s struggles to all audiences and ages. Throughout, There is a Gun in this Book, we quickly develop the overarching theme of fear and tension, as readers and listeners are guided through a simulated version of real-life experiences students have when going through a school shooting. Whilst in, Bleeding Pink, the maintained metaphor uses a common color to showcase the deceptive nature of shooters, alongside a call to action for lawmakers to breed change in our legislative chambers. A similar perspective is manifested through a shared experience in, The Weather Report, where readers feel the growing sense of urgency arise as the poem progresses into the climax. This directly relates to the false sense of security parents, teachers, and politicians have when shootings happen far across the country. Although each poem features cries for help and calls for action, they uniquely serve as a bridge to understanding an uncommon tragedy and all three focus on making the unknown more relatable for a wide audience of people.

Criticizing Gun Control in the United States Through All

$40.00Price
  • There is a gun in this book.

    Kept inside a hole cut in the middle of the pages.

    It’s black.

    It’s loaded.

    And you’re starting to think,

    That maybe I’m being serious.

    That maybe you should get up and start slowly walking towards the door.

    Your head is spinning because I’m telling you there is a gun in this book.

    There is a fully loaded pistol tucked in these pages.

    It’s black.

    It’s loaded.

    Powder, bullets, shells.

    And by this point.

    You’re nervous.

    You’re sweating.

    Maybe tears are falling from your eyes.

    And if not then let me remind you.

    My hand is sitting on the trigger of a gun in this very book.

    It’s black.

    It’s loaded.

    Hell. I could have it cocked in t-minus ten seconds.

    And you are so scared.

    Your body is shaking.

    Your hands are slowly pulling under your desk.

    Your eyes are darting towards the door.

    You’re playing chicken with me, this book, and the gun I have hidden within these pages.

    It’s black.

    It’s loaded.

    It’s fully cocked.

    And you’re scared.

    I hope you’re scared.

    You need to be scared.

    I need you to be scared.

    To feel this way.

    To understand fear when it’s least expected.

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