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.