It was days after Newtown before I could sit down to write. When I did, what evolved became a poem. So I offer it here, along with a hopeful prayer written by Katherine Hafeli Scheler.
Maybe, by Now
My heart aches for the people of
Newtown.
I shake my head
in disbelief.
Another disaster
burnt into memory
Forever recalling
Where, when, how
We heard the
news
We’ve spent too much time
reacting to tragedy
Shed too many
tears
Sent too many
Teddy bears
Texted too many
donations
Prayed too many
prayers
For someone’s
children lost
For families
ravaged
We’ve spent too many hours, days,
years
Trying to
comprehend.
Columbine.
Virginia Tech.
Tucson.
Aurora.
Oak Creek.
Now Newtown.
Maybe, by now
We do comprehend.
No longer can we
bear
To live in fear
Explain the
unspeakable
Console each
other in grief
Merely talk
about change
Maybe, by now
We get it that
Time with loved
ones
Real
conversations
Genuine caring
for
And taking care
of
Each other
Doing something
Make the
difference.
Maybe, by now
We are ready to
Take notice
Build relationships
Spread love
Take action
Create change
Ready to restore
Childhood’s innocence
Humanity’s grace.
"Let today be guided by a fair wind, let us
sail on an even keel, and let the hearts of men be overwhelmed with peace as we
bear the burdens of our brothers and prepare to do our part in healing the ills
of our world."
~ Katherine Hafeli Scheler
~ xo A ~
