Death

Most teenagers think

"It won't happen to me."

That's why they drink and drive

and skateboard off rooftops

and leave their doors unlocked.

But I think

"Why wouldn't it happen to me?"

Why should I be spared?

Why shouldn't death come for me?

Death had taken children from mothers

and mothers from children.

Death has taken best friends and brothers.

Death has taken presidents and doctors.

Death will take us all

and it doesn't care who you are

or how old you are

or how nice your are

or how many people love you.

Death doesn't care if you just had a baby

of if you are about to go travel the world.

The only thing you can do

is try to lessen your chances

for no one is safe.

You can protect yourself

by avoiding dangerous situations

but that is hard.

It's hard to live when you can't ride in a car.

It's hard to live when you can't leave your home

or light the gas stove

or touch door knobs

or breathe.

Fearing death for others is even harder.

For you want to lock them up in a room

and watch them

and know

that they are safe

and alive.

But you can't do that.

You can say "Drive safe"

or "Be careful"

But all you can do is

pray

and hope

that they will call you when they get there.