Remembering the Children of Beslan

It was the first day of the new school year The children of Beslan had no need to fear In anticipation they eagerly left home for school Some walked hand in hand with Mom and Dad Others skipped along the well known path Excitement filled the sidewalks and the streets As fleeting thoughts collided in mid air Some thought of new friends to be made Others of old friends with whom to play A little sister left at home Of baby brother asleep in his crib Much too young to run and play Some favorite lullabies which Grandmama sang As Grandpapa played his violin The first day of the new school year Mothers beamed with such pride How their little ones had grown Never would they ever want to let go Others gave in to their children’s cries ‘Mamma, I do not want to go to school. May I stay with you today?’ On wings of hate evil had already arrived With diabolical plans and bombs in hand To maim and murder the children of Beslan Who became captives in their little school house After the dastardly deed was done Dreams and aspirations lay splattered 'cross the floor Childhood innocence forever vanished! On the day of internment the sun in his temple hid Earth wept pouring rain, her bitter tears As Mothers’ voices cracked and strained Cried out loud, their children’s names While others pleaded in vain for death Fathers in a state of shock stood stoically in the cold autumn rain Wearing faces carved in stone The blood of children cried out to Heaven Where at the throne of mercy Sits a God who is just Though their bodies lay broken in tiny white coffins On angels' wings their souls did ascend He will judge all men and their deeds All, on one appointed day A tribute to the children of Beslan, No. Ostetia, Russia 9/1-3/ 2004