They bring and fight and articulate
They preserve hope and courage
Words
They allow us to breathe again
But sometimes the words don’t do justice.

We were oblivious
We were less than ready
Unaware that reality can snap in an instant
Sucking out hope with it

We lost them that day
The world seemed to spin too fast
Out of control
The disbelief and the sorrow roiled up
Our minds would not clear

Why you?
Oh, beautiful souls, why you?
We prayed for a different answer
But that was not what we were given

Guilt
It builds up in our hearts
Is it wrong to smile while knowing
Of this fated day?
Is it wrong to want to scream
But have to hold it in?

Our minds will not clear
We wish to do something
We grieve for your loved ones
We will you to fly high
We are unsure of what is ever permanent

We learn a lesson
To love, to preserve
To never take for granted
You have inspired
You have given us the courage
You have left your mark

We cannot express your losses
Into words
The words just don’t do justice
But although we have no words,
We do have the hope, the courage,
You have left kindling in our hearts.