I know someone
who knew a teenager
who was gunned down at
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
in Parkland, Florida
last week.
I know someone
who knew a reverend
who was gunned down at
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church
in Charleston, South Carolina.
I know someone
who knew a small child
who was gunned down at
Sandy Hook Elementary School
in Newtown, Connecticut.
Anyone can feel a
Mother’s / Father’s / Sister’s / Brother’s / Nana’s /Auntie’s
Life
Shattered into bits
Even if we can’t imagine it.
And would never want to.
The ripples of grief
extend thousands of miles
crossing boundaries of
Age
Race
Wealth
Faith
Bodytype
Who you hang out with
What shows you watch
How many “friends” you have
Who you love and who loves you.
Grief doesn’t care.
What kind of world are we living in
where it’s not safe
To go to English class,
To rock to some country music in the open air,
To go to Bible study on a Wednesday evening,
To learn how to read while your teddy bear waits for you in your cubby.
Who are we
As a people?
And what else have we lost?
And what symphonies will not be written?
What cures for Alzheimer’s not discovered?
What key to peace not realized?
What song will never be sung?
Because we have eaten our seeds?
Not just the ones who are now silent
but those who are bereft,
who will live side by side with the void
Forever.
We will never know.
Joy S. Rosenthal, Esq.
joy@joyrosenthal.com
Rosenthal Law & Mediation
225 Broadway, Suite 2605
New York, New York 10007
Phone : 212.532.4704