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December 14, 2012

December 14, 2012 Little pink coat, Mommy holding little pink hand, the firehouse must have seemed a marathon away, the longest run of their lives. Skedaddle little pink coat, miniature uggs flopping, one size up so they’ll fit next year. Nametags sewn in elfin collars, forever suspended mitten- sleeved jackets in a Sandy Hook cupboard. Good morning Ms. Davino, Good morning, Mrs. Hochsprung, Good morning, Mrs. Murphy, Good morning, Ms. Rousseau, Good morning, Mrs. Sherlach, Good morning, Ms. Soto. Who knew you’d be so brave? I remember my first grade teacher, when the hallways were safe and nuclear attack seemed so remote. Mrs. Lanza, did Adam say good morning, Mom, or just get down to business? We are all so sorry. ©Kathryn McLoughlin Collins December 18, 2012 These shootings occurred in my hometown.

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The Situation

Date: 10/20/2013 4:24:00 PM

I wrote about it that day too.

Victor Travis

Date: 1/8/2013 6:54:00 PM

I had forgotten that you lived there Katrinka. Juan.

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 1/8/2013 2:31:00 PM

KATHY, stopping by to say hi and read your winning poem in the "" poetry soup VIGIL"'' contest by my sister Sidney... a nice and heartfelt poem to read. have yourself a good day. always & forever ~LINDA

Cyndi Macmillan

Date: 1/8/2013 12:59:00 PM

Hey Debbie and you must be NEIGHBOURS. I mean five minutes apart! OH, there is an opportunity here. Nudge nudge nudge.. xox Cyndi

Cyndi Macmillan

Date: 1/8/2013 12:57:00 PM

OH, HONEY! Though we are miles and miles apart, my heart feels like it is riddled with holes. I have not been the same since this horrible event. Your words are as they should be, capturing pain and the reality of what should be impossible to imagine... and now is impossible to forget... hugs, chum... may this never happen anywhere on this planet ever again...

Kabuteng P.Ink K.

Date: 1/4/2013 11:03:00 PM

Kathy, I am sorry that your hometown experienced such heartbreak. Reading this gave me chills and just stayed with me. Thank you for passing by my poems with your kind words, I will try to post more at PFT. Hugs to you.

Matthew Anish

Date: 1/4/2013 9:03:00 AM

Sorry you had to live through that. Peace & Love Matthew Anish

Jacob Cra

Date: 1/3/2013 5:03:00 PM

So sorry about this tragedy especially in your hometown :( but still... lovely commemorative poem! You should enter it in one of poeticpossibilities.tk 's contests. I think you'd have a great chance of winning... I 've read some of your other poems as well and they're all great. You're a phenomenal poet, and any poem you enter would be great. If not, I wish you the best with your poetry career, even though I think that would be a terrible decision. Anyway, great poem and keep up the great work!

Daver Austin

Date: 1/3/2013 9:56:00 AM

The tragedy is typical of our media these days - movies 80% violence, war after war, emphasis on sex. Imagine being sent to a war zone for the fourth stay of fighting. No wonder they go nuts. Good read. Love, daver

Susan Palli

Date: 1/3/2013 3:03:00 AM

So devastating! Good write.

Holly Moore

Date: 1/2/2013 8:33:00 PM

This is very beautiful and poignant. Very powerful write...Thanks for your comments and SM Hugs, Holly

Jack Horne

Date: 1/1/2013 2:37:00 PM

very touching write indeed, Kathy. Happy New Year to you – sorry I’ve been away from Soup for so long (my wife recently left me for someone else).

Terry O'Leary

Date: 1/1/2013 9:31:00 AM

Dear Kathy, I started to read this poem a week or so ago, but stopped... bcause such things are too terrible... although I didn't comment then, I'll just wish you now a super Happy New Year... I won't comment on this poem now either, 'cause I still can't read it... you make sad, tragic things too, too sad.... Love, Terry

Debbie Guzzi

Date: 12/31/2012 6:38:00 PM

I hope you are OK? Please call if you need a shoulder and we are all praying for a better new year. Light & Love

Joann Grisetti

Date: 12/31/2012 12:18:00 PM

So sorry this was in your hometown. It is a terrible tragedy at any time or place. Thanks for your comments on my poems.

Tim Ryerson

Date: 12/30/2012 8:42:00 PM

Oh my, Kathryn...so this was in your hometown?...It is so offensive and outrageous that there are no words to describe...it almost seems like a dream but unfortunately it is quite real...my daughter is a teacher and I fear for her now but it could happen anywhere any time couldn't it?...unfortunately these cowards shoot themselves rather than face the consequences...well done, my friend - Tim

Skat A

Date: 12/29/2012 7:23:00 PM

Kathryn, congrats with the warmness and compassion from your pen~SKAT

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 12/21/2012 9:36:00 PM

A sad poem...pd

Daver Austin

Date: 12/21/2012 6:32:00 AM

I suppose we must be constantly reminded of this tragedy. WE must take heed and do something about gun control - the sooner the better. Love, daver

Keith Bickerstaffe

Date: 12/20/2012 11:50:00 AM

...more to follow!!! Have a blessed Holiday Season!

Keith Bickerstaffe

Date: 12/20/2012 11:46:00 AM

An excellent treatment of a terrible tragedy... so well crafted and developed. '...one size up so they'll fit next year,' '...name tags sewn in elfin collars,' such innocence in the face of an horrific circumstance. So well done Kathy, Love, Keith

Harry Horsman

Date: 12/20/2012 9:51:00 AM

i like this Kathryn, not the tragedy, obiviously, but the ways this poems has be written, a certain hashness, that relates tothe whole scene, this is very well written...yes i like the way you have presented this...

David Williams

Date: 12/18/2012 9:17:00 AM

Kathy very good, my heart goes out to all of those poor families who lost someone, a very difficult time...hope you are ok...David