For Aaron

In the course of thoughtful living,
life altering decisions are shaped
from a recipe of careful analysis,
examined alternatives, and
reasoned consideration.
It is the wise way to live.

But on that day,
when fear hardened into
cold terror,
pondering possibilities was
the last thing in panicked minds.

No reasoning.
No alternatives.
Impulse without calculation.
Reaction not rational response.

In that breathless moment he
stepped into the pathway of death,
goodness denying the demonic.
Sacrifice rising to the sacred.

No one will ever know what
went through Aaron's mind.
We will never understand
the instant impulse to
shield the child,
save her life
and lose his own.
One died so that one could live.

The question lingering in the aftermath
is not "why did he do it?"
but "why was it necessary for
such heroism in such horror?"

To be willing to step in front
of a bullet for a friend is the
epitome of courage and compassion.
To be willing to confront the
circumstances prompting
such a sacrifice is to look into
the mirror and see ourselves.

"Greater love has no one that this,
that someone lay down his life
for his friends."
John 15:13

Aaron Feis
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Parkland, Florida
February 14, 2018