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.”*

*2 Corinthians 4:16