On October 24th, 2022 between 9:11 a.m. and 9:25 a.m., two people, Alexzandria Bell (15 year old student) and Jean Kuczka (61 year old teacher) died, seven others wounded, and hundreds more mentally devastated at the hands of a gunman at Cental Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, MO. I’m so sorry.

THE LOST

I
White gladiolus 
cut in the spring of your life.
Your soul blooms again.

II
Always remember,
"what if wildfire is hiding
inside of a spark?"


THE DAMNED

III
Why do we refuse
to speak of the dark shadow 
forming above us?


THE LIVING

IV
Unthinkable day 
conjured lightning, thunder, rain
where you must now live.

V
Disallowed, patient,
we wait just outside your grief
listening for you.