We can imagine the tragedy,

it touches our soul,

causes our strength to weep.

Our hearts are aching

with another example of hate.

It’s the children,

today, living a week in trauma.

They’ll return to the space

where innocence was shattered.

And now the days ahead

are excruciating and helpless.

The kids won’t ask, but will wonder

how to go forward without feeling

the guilt in the pain of loss.

Their best friends died at their side,

at church, a spiritual assembly.

“Oh My God” they were praying,

and now knowing God lives in their

actions, they’ll struggle always,

the confusion.