Failing To LEarn

An old poem, about the Montreal Massacre, of December 6, 1989.

Geneviève Bergeron, aged 21

 

Twenty years have past

Since Marc Lepine

A lone gunman

Shattered the innocence of all Canadians

Stealing the lives of 14 young women

Because of their gender.

 

Hélène Colgan, 23;

Nathalie Croteau, 23;

We make up

More than half

Of the world's population

Yet our voices are ignored

At best.

  Barbara Daigneault, 22;

Anne-Marie Edward, 21;

Worse

Ridiculed

Mocked and isolated

Threatened with physical violence

If we don't keep quiet

Better to be seen

Instead of heard.

 

Maud Haviernick, 29;

Barbara Maria Klucznik, 31 

 

Men like Marc Lepine

Who cried out

"Death to Feminists"

During his murderous spree

View  all modern women

As a threat to them.

Maryse Leclair, 23;

Annie St.-Arneault, 23;

 

How many more times

Will headlines scream at us

"Wife killed by estranged husband"

Or "Sister Dies in Honour Killing By Brother"

These are only the cases

Which make it to the media's attention

Otherwise they're lost in the stats.

 

Michèle Richard, 21;

Maryse Laganière, 25;

 

How many more

"Marc Lepines"

Need to occur

Before society changes?

Anne-Marie Lemay, 22;

Sonia Pelletier, 28; and

 

Until we place

A greater value on women

Accepting them as equals

Not as chattel sex objects

Or a threat to a man's job

We're no better than the Taliban.

Annie Turcotte, aged 21.

Author's Note

Today, marks the 25th anniversary of Marc Lepine's assault, upon the École Polytechnique, in Montreal, Quebec, where 14 women died, from his bullets, before killing himself.

I was, in my final year of high school, when this happened. During my first year of university, I remember, various women groups marking this tragedy, in Ottawa, Ontario (the nation capital), by saying, they don't want any men, at their memorial to the slain victims. I understood, but felt hurt, by their request. Still viewing myself, as a male, at the time.

Reviews

[Emily B]

a beautiful young coworker was shot down in September, I went to her memorial on my birthday

she was 23 and left a fifteen month old girl child behind

this world is starting to scare me

[SonOfaSailor]

I think about this every time I hear someone rap about "worshiping that a*s," saying "you'd better work it" or anything at all about twerking if it's pressuring someone to do it... There is so much music that just epitomizes this problem. I like this writing and the ideals behind it :)

[therisa]

Thank you, SonOfaSailor. I think contemporary music has always pushed the boundaries, of what is acceptable, in regards, to what is sexist. Personally, most modern rap is pure trash, to women and other minorities.

[SonOfaSailor]

Agreed, but boy do I love the rap that is purely poetic with a nice beat behind it! You don't hear it on the radio, that's for sure

[therisa]

The airwaves only play, what is popular and the record companies push, on the market.

[SonOfaSailor]

Unfortunately, Whatever keeps the cash flowing and the greed alive!

[therisa]

Sad, but true.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

This is indeed very sad. And what is worse, it continues in the year 2014. And it's really incredable that there's still all these differences between men and women. :) Rudi

[therisa]

Thank you, Rudi, being transgender, I have experienced both side, of the gender divide, and it scare me, every day, how society treats those, they view as disposable. Not sure, humanity will ever understand this need, to treat everyone equally. Which is, the saddest part, these 14 women, may have died, in vain, for being female.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

That's really shame and it makes me angry. But our voices as writers are maybe a bit louder and your poem is certainly a little step in the good direction. I hope it will be read by a lot of people. Wille share this. :) Rudi

[therisa]

Thank you, Rudi. I do appreciate this very kind gesture, on your part. May it help to educate even one people, than I have made a difference, in the world.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

I hope so. Have a good day, Therisa. :) Rudi

[therisa]

And you, a good evening, Rudi. :)

[willweb]

This was very sad Therisa, though I am not familiar with this sensless act of violence, it still pains me to read. I really liked your format.

[therisa]

Thank you, Will. If you search Google or the Wikipedia, you can find greater detail, on this horrible tragedy. Using the key words: "Montreal Massacre" or "Marc Lepine".

[willweb]

Thanks Therisa, but i will take your word(s) for it. I really don't frequent the news for this very reason, I don't like reading about depressing stuff. Not meaning your poem, but the details...I think I will pass. This kind of thing breaks my heart.

[therisa]

I understand, Will.

[Matching Socks]

Very very moving Therisa. What a tragedy.
Touching tribute from you.

[therisa]

Thank you, Ana Sophia. Only wish, the above event was fictional and reality, for these women's families.

[Matching Socks]

I know... It's a sad thing.

[Lyn Anderson]

This is amazing. Very beautiful, and moving, with the addition of the victims' names.
two minor corrections
threatened
and media's
A wonderful write.

[therisa]

Thank you, KL. Only wished that I didn't have to write poems, like this. Maybe, one day, this will happen. And thank you, for the corrections.

[MomzillaNC]

I like the way you've set this one out, especially naming the victims. This is fitting memorial to them.

[therisa]

Thank you, Momzilla. I feel that I had to name the slain victims, to give this poem, it proper respect, to this tragedy.

[MomzillaNC]

You're welcome.

[icelandicblue]

It is good that you name the victims. Those are the ones to be remembered, so often forgotten, their killers becoming the names people remember

[therisa]

Thank you, Icelandicblue. Marc Lepine, also shot several male students, which is also ignored, when we honour those, who were victims, to his hate.