Sunday, December 16, 2012

How Do I Explain?

These are thoughts that I first put to paper after my cousin, a young father, died unexpectedly last spring. Lydia was still 3 and beginning to ask questions about why mommy was sad and why we were going on a trip. (She ended up sick and stayed home so we never had the conversation)

The events in Sandy Hook have hit me hard this weekend and I find myself revisiting this idea that someday I will need to explain death and darkness to my child. I'm not just not ready for either of us to be that grown up yet.


How do I even begin
to explain.

About sadness
and grownups who feel helpless.

About children who have lost someone
and children who have been lost?

How do I begin to explain loss in one family
without introducing you to the idea that there will, someday, be loss in our family?

How do I begin to reassure you that you are safe
when I am also frightened?

How do I wrap my arms around you
and still send you out into the world and allow you to grow?

For now,
I will not discuss it around you
because I have no words to give you
because there are no answers

For now,
I will avoid the news
and listen instead the sweet steady sound of your breath
While you are sleeping,
innocent
and unaware of the darkness.

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