As I think of those families mourning the children who died in the Uvalde Elementary School mass shooting in Texas I find myself reflecting on the shining eyes of my Grandchildren: whispering to me about the gift they have made for their Mum for Mothers Day, describing to me how they think they saw the Easter bunny, the light in their eyes as they open the birthday gifts we bring. I think of the love I have for them and how I would do anything to protect them from evil that lurches about and my heart weeps for the Grandparents and their lost grandchildren in the Uvalde Massacre and who have to standby powerless watching their sons and daughters grapple with the loss of a child.
Poetry can not stop the pain, but poetry can give words to addressing the agony. it can stand quietly by for those who are experiencing wrenching heartbreak at this time.
In memory of Uvalde’s children
our once big world now a global village
with space and time a lillyput in a satellite realm
is real its song of humanity
its agonising cry
today’s message carries
visions of a school shooting
school photos only left–
tiny faces peering out
their shining eyes
show all the little dreams
children dream
and strip to nakedness
a whole nation
staring once again at emptiness
we are the witness
with adults bent over in pain
– many in foetal position
holding their bodies
from its bloodbath
it is said giving attention
is the rarest and purest sense of generosity
focus on
a small town a primary school
a classroom
children
focus on
the good
alive in the agony of dissent
weaving
weaving in