No Words

I've been wanting to sit down and write something about the recent tragedy, but as cliche as it sounds, there just aren't words of any sort to express the pain, sorrow, sadness and concern for the victims, their families, the first responders, the little quiet town in Connecticut. There aren't words for the disgust and hate of the evil that transpired. There aren't words for the concern over our country and what is going on behind closed doors in homes across America. What is our nation becoming?

Writers and bloggers and columnists have tried to find the words. The media has tried to find the words. Our President, with his most eloquent writers, has tried to find the words. Pastors and preachers and rabbis and priests tried this weekend to find the words for their congregations. Well-meaning Facebookers and Tweeters all over the world have tried to find the words. But it hasn't been the words that have made the impact, it has been those things unsaid.  

It has been the tears that have been shed by stoic newsmen, police and fire personnel, the President of the United States as he addressed the nation. It has been the silence of the NRA. It has been the hanging Christmas lights that now are not turned on. It has been the precious faces of the victims shown time and time again in remembrance.  It has been the flags hanging at half mast. It has been the collective "quiet" or "somber tone" in a usually noisy, busy time of year - reminiscent of 911. It has been horrible and scary and sad and painful - and most of us are on the outside looking in.  I can't begin to imagine what it's like on the other side of all of this - to be in the Newtown community, the school system, the friend or family member of a victim. 

The more it sinks in, the more stories that come out, the more photos that are shared, it's harder. It gets more sad, more painful, more confusing. It's pure destructive evil - and there are no words for that.

Stand Still
 

The loss is not yours alone, she said & you will see it in their eyes when they do not think you are watching. How long does it take? I said & she put her hand on my chest & we did not speak.       -Brian Andreas