Catherine Chandler's Poetry Blog

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Remembrance . . .






Threnody: On the Razing of Sandy Hook Elementary School

Back out of all this now too much for us . . .
Back out of all this now too much for us
Back out of all this now too much for us
Back out of all this now too much for us
—Robert Frost, from “Directive” (Steeple Bush, 1947)


It was a school. It is a school no more.
            Weep . . ., for
the echoes won’t be quelled. A small boy brings
            what little things
he can to help his teachers feel less sad,
            could make them glad –
two Devil’s Eyes. Observe his ironclad
innocence. Behold his baby teeth.
Don’t look for footprints. Do not lay a wreath.
Weep for what little things could make them glad.




 © Catherine Chandler, October 2013