[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 99 (Friday, June 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1271-E1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    POETIC TRIBUTE TO THE YOUNG VICTIMS OF THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FRANKS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 1995

  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, recently I received a poem in 
the mail from a constituent I represent, Ms. Paula McCoy-Pinderhughes 
of Somerset, NJ. This poem was inspired by the tragic Oklahoma City 
bombing, and is dedicated to the children who lost their lives on that 
fateful day.
  Mr. Speaker, perhaps the worst aspect of this senseless tragedy is 
the long-term impact it will have on our Nation's young. Ms. 
Pinderhughes' poem is touching and poignant, and I commend it to my 
colleagues' attention.

                              Our Children

     Our children are beyond the colors of the rainbow
       They shine as bright as the evening star
     Have you really stopped to think of what they give to us
       Each time they stare into our eyes from near or far.

     Our children turn to us in times of sadness
       When their tiny world begins to fall apart
     All that's required is a hug to give security
       A little kiss upon the head straight from the heart.

     Our children want the answers to all life's questions
       You explain that time reveals all hidden things
     How far is space? When did time start? How did I get here?
     
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       Why don't I know? Where can I learn? What does it mean?

     Our children don't understand the constant fighting
       When the grownups take up arms in foreign lands
     Their eyes and ears look to hear peaceful solutions
       Their tiny souls wish them to lend a helping hand.

     Our children sometimes need our conversation
       To help discuss, sort out confusion, simply explain
     Somewhere to turn, just to be heard, express opinions
       Never silent, looked down upon, new knowledge gained.

     Our children come enwrapped in many colors
       The most precious gifts that God will ever give
     Teach them respect, pride in their culture, always love them
       Ensure their world will be a better place to live.

     Our children are the leaders of their tomorrow
       Share your wisdom, understanding, make them strong
     Learn to accept one another for their differences
       Dismiss all others who will tell them that they're wrong.
     --Paula McCoy-Pinderhughes.

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