I wrote this poem after attending Timothy McViegh's trial in Denver. It was written to reflect my own pain but even more so, to reflect the pain and anguish I saw on the faces of survivors and family members alike. The sheer agony of reliving the blast day after day in a Denver courtroom.
Also, it was written in response to all those well meaning people who will tell you when someone you love is violently taken..."They wouldn't want you to grieve. They are in a better place." And yes, they are but the anguish remains with those left behind and it is that anguish which requires the comfort of those who will sit quietly and share our tears.
April 19, 1995
Pristine spring morn, promise of a new day
Orange ball against an azure sky.
Good bye kisses, I love you's, time to play.
The raven cries, evil hastens.
A yellow truck, destruction.
Hate's price exacted, innocence the toll.
Heaven waits to exhale.
Thunderous sound, aching noise, white light, hot wind
The blackest black, ash, soot, debris. Breathless.
Little blonde haired boy, eyes so blue.
Ebony glass glistens. Shards of death.
Red blood, black smoke, white powder.
The smell of iron, the taste of bitter.
Flesh torn, bones exposed, innocence slaughtered.
Jagged and broken; a building and a boy.
Screams of anguish, searing pain, fire.
My voice, my heart, my grief, my rage
Images, terror, stinging hot tears.
I suffer...you did not.
Crystal blue above. Smoke, sirens, chaos below.
Sweet breath of innocence released, spirit in flight.
Celestial beings, shimmering stars, eternity's greeting
The moon is your cradle, the clouds your pillow.
The shade of trees, the whisper of the wind, the song of birds
Barney, balloons, hearts, smiles- carved in stone.
Precious little boy, his brother, memories unformed
Layed to rest under the green earth.
Flight of freedom, perfect love, pure joy, total peace, no tears...
This is your ecstasy.
Vivid horror, white hot rage, silenced laughter, future grief...
This is my anguish.
Writted by Skye Doggett 1998
Thank You Mommy
