Nine Souls

[Note: this poem was written in memory of a specific mass killing at a church, but there has been since then so much evil done at churches, temples, and mosques--all houses of God...as are all schools where children go to learn. ]


When he came to the church,
a disciple of the Opposition,
did he plan to take his time?
Did he relish watching those 
good people around the table
as they shared their struggles,
with others, themselves, God?

Did he play in his forsaken mind
(so bereft of love or even a
tinge of compassion) just whose
life he would take first, and who 
would die last? What a sense of
power a gun gives to a coward,
playing god in God's own house.

Joyful he must have felt
as he took their lives but
freed their souls-nine souls
he could not see yet they
saw him, standing exultant
over their now unneeded
bodies, his hate satiated.

But they would not hate him,
for God's children love,
and love now filled their souls,
as it filled their lives when
they walked on the earth. So
they would pray  together
one last time in the church 
they loved, praying for the
damned soul of the sad man
until the angels came to carry
them off to God's open arms.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

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

Andresen Avatar
September 9, 2020 at 1:31 AM
- Congratulations on your great win, L.J. :) - // Anne-Lise :)
Carber Avatar
September 9, 2020 at 9:05 AM
Thank you, Anne-Lise!
Agustin Avatar
September 8, 2020 at 8:21 PM
Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.
Carber Avatar
September 9, 2020 at 9:05 AM
Gracias, y vaya con Dios siempre!
Barden Avatar
January 7, 2020 at 9:50 PM
Sincere congratulations for your Honorable Mention in Brian's contest, LJ - keep the ink flowing, my friend, and best wishes for a bountiful and healthy New Year. Blessings! :o)
Carber Avatar
January 8, 2020 at 8:02 AM
Thank you my friend, and may you and your family have a very blessed 2020!
Kauffman Avatar
January 7, 2020 at 1:13 PM
Bravo, L.J.! Your poem beautifully juxtaposes the defeat of hate by love. Wonderful opposing images that illustrate your timely theme. Congratulations on your HM.
Carber Avatar
January 7, 2020 at 2:03 PM
Thanks Sam-- you get it! Have a great 2020!
A   Avatar
January 6, 2016 at 12:47 AM
Len, Congratulations on your win. LINDA
Carber Avatar
January 7, 2020 at 2:04 PM
Thanks, Linda
A  Avatar
January 3, 2016 at 11:32 PM
LEN, Congratulations on your "Angel" win. **SKAT**
Carber Avatar
January 7, 2020 at 2:04 PM
Thanks Skat!
Mcloughlin Avatar
January 3, 2016 at 2:13 PM
Powerful poem Ien, love the last verse. Congratualtions on your win. From Jean
Carber Avatar
January 7, 2020 at 2:06 PM
Thanks Jean-- must confess I love it too!
Johnson Avatar
January 2, 2016 at 2:29 PM
Triumph from evil. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
Carber Avatar
January 7, 2020 at 2:06 PM
Thank you, Joyce
Negron Flores Avatar
January 1, 2016 at 8:34 PM
Congratulations Len.
Carber Avatar
January 7, 2020 at 2:07 PM
Thanks Nayda [love your name!]
Walter Skyy Avatar
August 25, 2015 at 4:52 PM
Nice write. Your words was loud and clear. I hope you will check out some of my work. I just put a new poem up called "Absence of Color" I think you would enjoy it. I hope to see you there. Have a good evening!!!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace