Submit a Poem
Get Your Premium Membership
spacer
Pinterest button
Comments Inbox

 
About This Poem

Snowstorm

Reposting this.  It was written on 12/20/2012.. as I reflected on the tragedy at Sandy Hook.. and struggled to understand why God would allow such a thing to happen...

The wind howls outside my balcony door
My feet are cold from walking across the floor
As I step outside to look at the snow 
I know for sure I won’t be sleeping anymore 
It’s 5 am,… only five hours of sleep 
The house is so quiet, kids aren’t making a peep

I head to the kitchen, down darkened stairs
Coffee doesn’t take very long to prepare
Back in my bed where it’s cozy and nice
I pull the covers up, my body cold as ice
My legs are warming with my notebook on my lap 
I’m thankful for the company of an early morning chat 

The lights begin to flicker, my internet is gone
No one to chat with, I find myself alone 
I light the few candles I have sitting about
Just in time for the power and lights to go out 
Buried under covers, too bad I’m alone
The coffee tastes good, it’s still kind of warm 

I close my tired eyes to take time to pray
And think about what’s ahead for the day 
My mind won’t cooperate, it starts to wander
So many things that I start to ponder 
Like funerals for those little ones, starting today 
In a town in Connecticut, so far away
yet so close to home, in a manner of speaking
I think of my children in their rooms still sleeping

My tears feel hot coming down my cold cheeks
As I think of the events of this sorrowful week
And of all the evil which has been unfurled 
And tomorrow, supposedly the end of the world
Well, maybe the end would be just as well 
We’re already living in a sort of hell 

No! I can’t think like that…I have to stop
I just wish I could have a direct talk with God
And find out what it is that He wants me to think
Find out why such bad things are happening
Why did those children have to die? 
How will those parents say goodbye? 

My heart aches so much as I look at the ceiling 
I can’t imagine what those parents are feeling! 
God, give me some answers!  Show me the way!
What is the point of getting up today?
What is it I’m feeling…?  Is it grief, or fear? 
I hope in time things might become clear

Sitting in the dark as the temperature falls
The candles flicker gently, making shadows on the wall
Those candles smell good, they smell of peace
I close my eyes to try to get some sleep
Then I remember some things that I had read from His word
And if God were speaking now, this is what might be heard: 


The children are ok… they’re in a better place
Their parents have pain that I’ll help them to face
This brings me such sorrow, I am hurting too
But I’ll use this for good, I can promise you 
Things happen in this life that can’t be understood
Let your heart ache for the evil, but search for the good
Remember all those things that make life worth living
Like family and friends… like serving others, and giving
Do what you can to make the world a little better
Just spread the love… and try to remember 
This world is not the end, and it isn’t your home 
And neither is your body… That’s just skin and bones
There are beautiful things in store for you 
I know you can’t imagine, but believe that it’s true
And tell other people, so they will have hope
It’s the only thing on earth that will help them to cope

I look out the window at the snow flying by 
The sun is coming up, but gray fills the sky 
I may not have the answers to all I want know 
I just have to believe that God is in control 

A peace comes over me like a little gift
I feel that a burden has been lifted
I still feel sad, but hopeful, in a way…
At least I think I'm ready to face another day

12/20/2012 
For a picture... click on "About This Poem" above the title of the poem on this page 

Please Login to post a comment
 
  1. Date: 5/9/2013 7:28:00 AM

    You have brought me to tears. A sad but well written poem. *hugs*

  1. Date: 5/7/2013 10:20:00 PM

    WOW! Becca, You brought me right into your scene I Love this..."This world is not the end, and it isn’t your home And neither is your body… That’s just skin and bones" One thing I said early on after my wife died was that " we have to stop trying to build our homes here, this is not our home" What a tragedy this is...you did such a great job of letting the reader feel the pain but giving them hope. Bless you Becca my sweet friend : )

  1. Date: 5/7/2013 1:38:00 PM

    In answer to the question, when God gave humans free will in essence he tied his own hands. We have the chance to be his hands and be a part of his kingdom on earth. His will is not for little children to be killed, when human will is excercised the reslt can be horrific. Fortunately he will have the final word. Those children will now only know joy.

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 5/7/2013 1:43:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    Thank you... that was what I was trying to say in that italicized part. You explained it well. Thank you, friend.
  1. Date: 5/7/2013 1:30:00 PM

    great featured write! I was moved once again by your words.

  1. Date: 5/7/2013 5:56:00 AM

    wow...wow nice work very like slowly siping on coffee very strong...good luck :-)

  1. Date: 4/10/2013 4:16:00 AM

    This poem gave me chills towards the end. We can't always understand why such things happen, and at times we look for someone to blame... but there isn't really. It just happens and we try our best to move on and appreciate what we have. Thanks for writing your heart out Beck...

  1. Date: 3/31/2013 4:01:00 PM

    Very moving and excellently written, it will not be the last time and I think we should be looking closer to home for the reasons why these things happen, I cannot see it as being Gods work or fault. Long convo could ensue but that's me in a nutshell. Any good news yet. Take care, Regards Richard

  1. Date: 2/17/2013 3:00:00 AM

    such a good write.

  1. Date: 1/23/2013 3:59:00 PM

    Becca, I think that for a serious topic, as we discussed in soupmail, this is just about as good at rhyming as you can get, and that means you did a really nice job with this poem. Yes, free verse gives one more ability to say any thought you may have, but you worded this excellently and it is truly profound!

  1. Date: 1/13/2013 6:05:00 PM

    One thing you brought up that took me over 50 years to realize and it may seem odd but the realization only came to me in a visit to a nudist colony [This world is not the end, and it isn’t your home/And neither is your body… That’s just skin and bones] image really believing this is so profound! Skin & bones is little more than the cloak we wear. Light & Love Becca

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 1/13/2013 7:18:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    :) Debbie lol You're awesome. I think you have some interesting stories to tell... ;)
  1. Date: 1/13/2013 5:51:00 AM

    Great work that you have composed about the tragedy..It saddened a whole nation at once to think about the senseless killing..My thoughts turn to the mother..I wonder did she try to stop him and he kill her..Did he kill her in her sleep?..Was she looking at her son and know that she was going to be killed by him? Was her last thoughts of her son caring so little for her that he would shoot her?..Thanks for stopping by..Sara

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 1/13/2013 8:59:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    I know :( I have done my share of thinking about the mother too.. I also think what hell she'd be going through if she hadn't died, knowing what her son did :( Oh it's too much to think about sometimes. Thanks for your comment.
  1. Date: 1/12/2013 9:22:00 PM

    How tender your words, from self and God's Spirit, you've penned in these verses. I always remember the old song, By and By we'll understand it all... Heartfelt read on such a tragic event. Your spirit shines through.

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 1/13/2013 8:54:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    Thank you Debra :)
  1. Date: 1/12/2013 6:44:00 PM

    I wrote a phone book one for you.

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 1/12/2013 7:39:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    LOL! YOU, sir, are pretty amazing :D
  1. Date: 1/12/2013 6:43:00 PM

    I am amazed at how you dealt with this tragedy in such an eloquent and thoughtful way. I am moving it to my favorites. So many people need to read this one. You have touched my soul with this one. Hugs Rick.

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 1/12/2013 7:59:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    Thank you, Rick. I'm honored that you would put this in your favorites.
  1. Date: 1/12/2013 9:47:00 AM

    Deep one, hon, well written. Glad I stopped by on the way out the door. I am still struggling with this. What safety can I truly offer my daughter? It's all an illusion, and yet my faith, like yours, does bring comfort and a sense of peace. Children are the only true treasures on this planet, our greatest gift, Earth's best resource. Such horrors they witness and experience. Hugs, Cyndi

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 1/12/2013 7:58:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    Thanks for your comment here Cyndi, I appreciated hearing from you.
    MACMILLAN Avatar CYNDI MACMILLAN Date: 1/12/2013 9:47:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    PS -- thanks, doll, for the lovely soupie. You are such a sweetie!
  1. Date: 1/12/2013 7:54:00 AM

    Becca, an outstanding write on a subject that touched all of us, sad sad time....David

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 1/12/2013 7:57:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    Thanks David. Yes it was so very sad, I can't even imagine the pain. Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it.