Because Cassandra Cried

A poem about a hamster.

Because Cassandra cried,

the counselor was called.

We spent the morning

in grief counseling,

discussing every aspect of death

except heaven.

 

Because Cassandra cried,

we learned that this life on earth

was the only life we’d have.

At ten years old,

we were expected to make

the most of it.

 

Because Cassandra cried,

the whole school took the afternoon

gathered around a shoebox

while my class took turns shoveling dirt.

 

Because Cassandra cried,

The principal made a speech

and so did the vice principal,

our teacher,

and finally me.

 

Because Cassandra cried,

I ended up in detention

for pointing out that

“it was only a stupid hamster!”

Reviews

[Neo]

I love that this poem ties in with the mythological Cassandra. She was always crying because no one believed anything she prophesied.
Of course, this situation is a little different. I really like that for all the fanfare, it turned out it was only the class hamster that had died. It was a good twist to the end of the poem. :)

[Tarand]

Haha, I didn't really think about that! The girl's name really was Cassandra, but it's great that you can find other meanings in the poem. Thankyou. :)