Danielle Durst is 13-years-old and lives in Michigan. When she read about “Just One Day,” the effort to stop all euthanasia in shelters (to be a no kill nation) for one day at least, on June 11, she was inspired to write this poem.

If just one day we could be a no kill nation
Maybe the dogs would get to stay
If just one day we could be a no kill nation
Maybe the kittens would get to play
If just one day we could be a no kill nation
Maybe the bunnies would get a good home
And maybe those smart chickens would get to roam
If just one day we could be a no kill nation
Maybe the sun would shine bright and it would be a hopeful day
Maybe the hope would stay through the night
And come back the next day
If just one day we could be a no kill nation
Maybe that horse would get rode
Maybe that duck could finally feel safe at a home
If just one day we could be a no kill nation
Maybe that lion would finally get a zoo
Maybe it could find a mate too
If just one day we could be a no kill nation
Maybe we could put ourselves in the animal’s shoes
Maybe we could picture ourselves
Getting gassed
And masked
And shots, being told its okay
When really
We know it’s our last day.
If we could be a no kill nation for just one day
Maybe our realization would stick
And help us make the pick.
Animals don’t want to cry or die
The same as you and me
They just want to be loved
So June 11th let’s take action!
And stop all of the kills
Help the animals that have the minds of you and me
And help all of these shelters see
This isn’t how it has to be.
Embrace the fact that killing is wrong
If just one day we could be a no kill nation
The animals would get to play
If just one day we could be a no kill nation
All of the animals could be saved.