September 8, 2004

Beslan

words are too good for them

and will fail justice

relentless, excruciating death

is what I want of them

who did not harm me

do not even know my name

what must those they touched demand

very rarely have I so rejoiced

to see a person killed

may God forgive my lack of charity

such evil should not expect it

from bloodied human hands

from broken human hearts

whose hope and joy lie now in earth

which scant hours before lived and breathed

and shared tomorrow's dreams

tears could not do justice

to this sorrow

to the grief this world should share

may God's vengeance satisfy our sorrows

and His holiness comfort all our fears