They could hear explosions and gunfire,
As well as mortified screams and quiet weeping.
There were nine people in the same, tiny room,
And each one was terrified,
But not only for their lives,
Also for the lives of the thousands of others.
One boy had an old Bible, and began to read aloud from Revelation.
A few tried hysterically to quiet him down, so they would not be heard,
But their efforts were to no avail, his voice stayed strong and calm.
Most knew their time was near,
But none were afraid.
Even those who at first objected to hearing the Scriptures were now knelt in prayer
Around the young boy reading from the tattered book.
The peacefulness was broken by the sound of soldiers tearing at the door,
But not one eye of those praying opened,
As the boy, followed by the others, were slaughtered in an instant.
Hours later, a small girl came running into the room.
It was her church and she knew of the survivors inside.
She stood in shock, seeing the nine bodies of her family and friends.
She said a silent prayer as she walked over to the tattered book,
Which had the word "Bible" scribbled in chalk on the cover.
She lifted it gently and found it to be filled with
Blank pages, as many as she could see.
Age 13