Two poems for Sandy Hook School, Newtown, Connecticut

[for the parents]

Precious one, my heart’s delight,

I helped you choose your clothes,

Fed you, packed your lunch, zipped your coat,

And sent you on your way.

How far from me your way would take you

I couldn’t know.

Dear heart, sweet face, soft hair, wide eyes,

Never in my arms again.

Last night the hours crawled. How can I

Endure the years to come?

Bright laugh, young voice

Gone quiet now,

And all that’s left, a stillness bearing down

Like Atlas’s sky.  

[for the rest of us]

Not enough, the grief I feel.

Insufficient are my tears.

My sympathy is impotent,

Here where I sit, secure and safe,

Relieved that theirs was not my lot

While I muddle through my day’s work.

I am horrified for them,

But my feelings are inadequate.

These are my offerings:

Prayer that God be found at hand.

Gifts to causes that do good.

Support for justice, and for peace.

Pouring my heart in the words I write

So hope and dreams remain.

Above all, patience with my own,

So my actions teach and testify

Anger is best met in loving ways. 

© 2012, Julie Berry