Sent us reeling,
The heat, electricity, water were working.
We knew, even if we could not admit it,
Our grieving would begin, shortly.
Our anguish would come in waves.
Our sadness immense.
As the day began,
The eager faces were waiting for stories,
Math projects, exit tickets,
Test prep strategies, writers' notebooks,
We pushed aside sadness,
Wrestled our grief into the back corner,
We checked on our neighbors
As you do in an emergency.
As the day ensued,
Our thoughts wandered,
Her family, the enormity of their loss,
Our community, our immeasurable loss.
Shared passions, hopes and dreams,
Family, politics, life-long learning,
Twitter feeds and the NY Times,
Our memories,
Her laugh, smile,
Her optimism, hope.
Late in the day,
We noticed,
A light in the hallway
Really was out.
A light in the hallway
Really was out.
9 comments:
You captured grief--and how we have to deal with it in a daily way, with the presence of all our to-dos--so well here. I was really moved, and had to read it a second time to let it all sink in. Beautiful, but sadly, a sad sort of beautiful.
Anita, This really does capture grief in a school community. How everyone has to hang together and hold each other up and be there for the kids. But also how there is a huge silent empty dark hole… Beautiful!
So sorry for your loss. Your writing is beautiful and touching.
Anita, so sorry for your loss. It is difficult to keep strong to help others cope with their grief. Your slice has captured all the feelings and how everyone moved forward amid that grief. Hugs & prayers to you and your school community. Your last line said it all - a light was out.
This was really well-written and very moving.
I'm sorry for that hole now in your life, Anita. You wrote such a heartfelt poem; the metaphor of perspective says it all. Beautifully done.
Your poem was so beautiful. I'm sorry for this loss, but I'm glad you were able to turn to the written word for some comfort.
Sudden sad news hits us to our core. This was a wonderful piece written so eloquently. It makes us realize every day with those we love is a gift. So sorry for your loss.
Beautifully written...the kind of reflection that helps as we grieve
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