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