My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones in Paris today. Their shock, grief and loss is not a political statement, although it will be used in that way. Their lives are not the raw material of symbols although they will be co-opted for that purpose. Their anguish is unique although they will be lumped in with all the other survivors of violence.
My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones in Paris today. Some don’t yet know that their lives have been changed forever. More and more enter the community of those who have had love ripped from them by force. Each will experience the staring which asks the questions which no one will be able to answer even with an ocean of words and well-meaning.
My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones in Paris today. When I think of them I remember the words of Anne McCaffrey:
“The tears I feel today
I’ll wait to shed tomorrow.
Though I’ll not sleep this night
Nor find surcease from sorrow.
My eyes must keep their sight;
I dare not be tear-blinded.
I must be free to talk
Not choked with grief, clear-minded.
My mouth cannot betray
The anguish that I know.
Yes, I’ll keep my tears till later:
But my grief will never go.”