Poem Pays Tribute to Lives Lost in Connecticut

Twelve Fourteen Twelve

Bright, innocent, curious little eyes

Having barely had the chance

To be

Alive.

The door that was open,

So suddenly closed—

Slaying the smiles

That were to hatred exposed.

Faces twisted in anger

And sick in the soul,

Drag others into danger

To strengthen their hold.

Home for the holidays,

Hopes freeze in cold air

And tears flood the pathways

That led away from despair.

Having lost, having suffered

At such a cost when so young;

No words can revive

The lives that were undone.

Memories still linger,

But futures were erased.

Did you tell them you love them—

Give them one last embrace?

Though “when sorrow’s day is ended”

All our wounds will be mended,

While we keep on we can pray

And are “renewed [here] day by day.”*

--Corinne Petersen

 *2 Corinthians 4:16