Somber Night

Like so many others, the news of today's tragic events in Newtown, CT has left me heartbroken and in shock.  My first selfish thoughts are of my own child who, until that moment, was thought to be safe at school.  She of course is safe, but the reality that in today's world, any town could be Newtown, is horrifying.  Today was not that day, but what about tomorrow...or next week.  These events are becoming entirely too regular and that scares me to death.  Not just for my daughter, but for us all.  Today's victims were so young.  So untouched by the lives that they hadn't even begun to live.

As a parent, I am devastated.  I am even more struck by this event than others before. This one hit closer to home. I lived in Newtown when I was a young girl. Not for long, only for a year and a half. During that time, I attended Sandy Hook Elementary School. I remember beautiful scenery on Mt. Pleasant drive.  The view at the peak of the mountaintops was a sight to behold.  I remember that the French marched through the town during the Revolutionary war.  The town held a reenactment to commemorate the march.  What I don't remember was violence or being afraid.  I'm sure the residents there still felt the same way...until today. 

I moved away after 6th grade and I don't know any of the victims or their families but my heart goes out to them.  No amount of condolences or heartfelt words will ever make the parents of these small angels feel any better.

Contrary to what I've already written, I can think of no other way to express myself than in the poem below.

Somber Night

A day that started like any other

A girl kissed her Daddy. A boy hugged his Mother.

They stepped onto the bus or out of the car.

They walked into to the school and waved from afar.

They greeted their friends and walked happily to class.

They smiled and laughed, as each moment passed.

Their heads filled with visions of the holidays ahead.

But the moments that followed were horrific instead.

A man so unstable, came upon them with a gun.

There was no more laughter.  No time to run.

This man ended their future.  He took aim and he fired.

Again and again, til each one expired.

Each little angel, innocent and pure.

Taken away so violently, when a man walked through their door.

A tragedy so senseless.  So much life has been lost.

Changes need to be made, No matter the cost.

For the price already paid, was more than any of us can afford.

The loss of young innocence.  The loss of those we adored.

If you are blessed to have your loved ones, hold them close and hold them tight.

Remember the families less fortunate and how they are surviving this Somber Night.