Charleston Elegy

The horrific event in Charleston, SC. that left nine dead is so incredibly sad.  I just cannot, cannot, understand why anyone would enter ANY HOUSE of WORSHIP to murder those just wanting to connect with their spirituality.  It's so twisted, my head just doesn't want to wrap around that demented thought and action.

Now that the victims are known, we must remember them and pray for them to rest in peace and pray for comfort for their families in what has to be an unbelievably brutal time for them.  The Guardian has a good report on the victims.

The youngest victim, Tywanza Sanders, was among other things, a fellow poet.  So a poem is called for:

Elegy for Nine in Charleston

May their names and spirits ascend like holy incense,
The victims of horror in an historic House of Prayer
Their shortened lives filled with purpose and meaning
Their devotion to faith and community created ripples
Their hopes and wishes have turned to shooting stars
Their memories now linger in hearts and minds
Of those who can only ask 'Why?'
As their tears freely fall
Uniting many in grief

...dedicated to the memories of: Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Cynthia Hurd, Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Tywanza Sanders, Ethel Lance, Susie Jackson, Depayne Middleton Doctor, Rev. Dr. Daniel Simmons, Myra Thompson... and to their surviving families and friends