After the Horrors

(It took me a while to write this one.)

Scarred are those who survive the terror
Saved are the ones who do not
But those who are left behind
Locked out of the event
Yet suffering the consequences
Viewed as collateral damage
Howling at the injustice
Weeping for both the scarred and slain
Must let faithfulness shine,

Despite the sadness and the horror.
As a nation we naturally unite,
In silence to honor those affected:
Mothers, daughters,
Fathers, sons,
Strangers and friends
Joined together in their love
For music,
For community,
For shared happiness and fun
For love
The attack unthinkable and unsuspected

Don't try to understand it, never,
Such thoughts could only poison the mind.
Instead let's view this as an opportunity
To make a change
To alter our paths
To become greater,
Stronger
Tighter
A better America
Outside of the noise of political scrutiny

Those affected are not victims or martyrs
In the light of the gruesome event
They should be viewed as angels of the world
Meant to heal
Others' wounds
Unseen
Seen
Meant to shine their light
On political issues
Social problems
Inadequate systems
Meant to reveal as all disasters do
The strength of family
The strength of community
The strength of a nation
The strength of the earth
Well after the smoke from the barrel of the gun has curled.

As such they shall be remembered and revered
The unharmed, wounded and the dead.
They each serve a higher purpose for mankind
A reminder
Of our strengths
And our weaknesses
Our opportunities
Our capabilities
Our gift
That is living
Let their brilliant lights ever shine and remind

So when sorrow or fear over come you
Face them with a cold hard stare
Then let them float away
Into the dust,
The mists,
The ether.
Passing by like clouds
changing shape
but also merely
passing bye,
Sometimes filled with
Rage and anger,
Sometime nurturing
And kind.
And know
You are not alone
Ever.
In death,
In life,
In all things
You are surrounded
By love
With an open heart and mind you shall find your way

Again
Never forget
You are not alone
Ever.
In death,
In life,
In all things
You are surrounded
By love.
Look for it
And it will be yours.