Kathryn Collins Poet Free verse

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.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

The Situation October 20, 2013 at 4:24 PM I wrote about it that day too.

Victor Travis January 8, 2013 at 6:54 PM I had forgotten that you lived there Katrinka. Juan.

Poet Destroyer A January 8, 2013 at 2:31 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 January 8, 2013 at 12:59 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 January 8, 2013 at 12:57 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. January 4, 2013 at 11:03 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 January 4, 2013 at 9:03 AM Sorry you had to live through that. Peace & Love Matthew Anish

Jacob Cra January 3, 2013 at 5:03 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 January 3, 2013 at 9:56 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 January 3, 2013 at 3:03 AM So devastating! Good write.

Holly Moore January 2, 2013 at 8:33 PM This is very beautiful and poignant. Very powerful write...Thanks for your comments and SM Hugs, Holly

Jack Horne January 1, 2013 at 2:37 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 January 1, 2013 at 9:31 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 December 31, 2012 at 6:38 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 December 31, 2012 at 12:18 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 December 30, 2012 at 8:42 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 December 29, 2012 at 7:23 PM Kathryn, congrats with the warmness and compassion from your pen~SKAT

Poet Destroyer A December 21, 2012 at 9:36 PM A sad poem...pd

Daver Austin December 21, 2012 at 6:32 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 December 20, 2012 at 11:50 AM ...more to follow!!! Have a blessed Holiday Season!

Keith Bickerstaffe December 20, 2012 at 11:46 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 December 20, 2012 at 9:51 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 December 18, 2012 at 9:17 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