Fifth Day after the School Shooting

Some may say the world’s end occurred that night.

Yet, I awake. Life persists after all.

Sunrise encroaches on darkness, first light,

as day, in turn, always ends at nightfall,

and stars shine enough, night sky overhaul.

Dusk, meditation, and gin blur the eyes

--whatever helps you survive this downfall—

from sameness and safety, I empathize--

stare into hate long enough, spirit dies.

Can't our hearts break; feel the grief, feel the pain;

in the decay’s where resurrection lies.

Our world ended that night in a heart stain.

The holiest of holies sometimes speaks

in whispers. Or wails of distress, tear streaks.

© Christine Salkin Davis, 2019