Chris Green Poet Free verse

Not Even An Amen

Not even an "Amen"


Babies cried, children bled
mother's fell, families splintered,
hymns ended, bibles held

Nightmares became 
not something to wake up from,
but something to wake up to

Sunday morning wept dark 
neath a bright November sun
as doors burst open
and repetitive noise silenced everything

No time for prayers,
no time to run,
When the smoke cleared
not a sound was heard...

not even an "Amen"


The massacre at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas happened 3 miles from my home. A typical warm Sunday morning was no more. Heartbreaking and horrific.

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Kai Michael Neumann March 27, 2018 at 10:05 AM Ouch, that hurts. Not even an Amen...Touches me. Very powerful.

CayCay Godwin March 4, 2018 at 4:30 AM I don't even want to go here. The world is dangerous everywhere, every moment now and it is beyond my understanding. I can barely ponder the state of evil without choking on emotion. I know, or sense, this was a therapy write and I get that, we need to do that. I just wish there was enough therapy to unite all of mankind. All the best ... CayCay

Chris Hagy December 2, 2017 at 7:19 PM I'm so sorry you were so close to this evil act Chris. These are perfect words in memory for all those people. Believe me they are all saying Amen in heaven now, and this madman will have to answer to higher powers for his crimes! I'll pray you Good dreams my friend :)

Connie Marcum Wong November 29, 2017 at 4:06 PM Your poignant poem in tribute to the horrific act is very touching Chris. Church has always been a safe haven and it is so sad to hear of this on the news. The deviations at the Mosque also really upset me. You are so great at writing and being able to touch hearts! : )

CayCay Godwin November 24, 2017 at 12:18 AM A lovely tribute to something to ugly to comprehend. You succeeded in transporting me back to the first time I heard the horrendous news. Topic change, I just recently made it back to Soup, please tell me you didn't recently leave? I pray all is well, Chris, and that you'll show soon. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Joanna Daniel November 21, 2017 at 8:04 AM Hi Chris, hope everything is fine with you, just sending a hi and my best wishes your way:) still missing you and your lovely touching poetry..

John Hamilton November 17, 2017 at 11:06 PM So sorry to hear about this massacre so close to home, indeed none of us are immune to this worlds craziness, and it will get worse before it gets better...but it will get better, such a heart rending poem Chris, my heart breaks for these tragedies.

Freddie Robinson Jr. November 17, 2017 at 3:10 PM Sad yet beautiful, and accurate account, written by a faithful pen, Chris. My bowels of compassion empty out to your community. A somber, enlightening poem, painstakingly but lovingly told. Love and prayers to you and yours.

Charmaine Chircop November 13, 2017 at 8:25 AM Hi Chris..After five months away,I decided its time to be here again.I was missing all of you friends,and the soulful poetry.So sorry for the tragic event...My heart is heavy.

Akkina Downing November 12, 2017 at 9:39 AM Hello Chris, hope you're doing.This poem is beautiful! A place we used to think was the safest to be is now a hunt man game ground. Just beyond evil! Sending you hugs my dear friend... hugs and smiles :)

Elizabeth Kinch November 10, 2017 at 3:34 AM So many heartbreaking tragedies in our world today. Love sent to you and your community. "Not even an Amen" brings tears to my eyes. Such an emotive write Chris.

Hannah Borke November 9, 2017 at 9:07 AM 3 miles is so close, like smack in the middle of it. This won't end until an amendment to the constitution.

John Lawless November 8, 2017 at 5:52 PM Chris, this poem is a knife to the depth of sadness.

Patricia Cresswell November 8, 2017 at 3:09 PM This is a sadly beautiful telling of the muderous event in Texas.

Tim Smith November 8, 2017 at 11:01 AM I thought of you when I heard Chris...we all weep

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart November 8, 2017 at 8:24 AM Poignant pen my friend. The horrors we humans are capable of makes it difficult just to breathe at times. Crushing. Love to you and yours Chris xomo

Anne-Lise Andresen November 8, 2017 at 7:59 AM - No words can explain how cruel this is, Chris - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Joanna Daniel November 8, 2017 at 6:58 AM Heartbreaking when such inhuman tragedies shatter us, Chris, the sadness oozes out of this poem...

Russell Sivey November 8, 2017 at 6:57 AM Wow, this write is filled with strong emotion, such that I am saddened even more about the incident! It was a terrible day, and this massacre was so horrible, I am so very crushed by the news! Your poem hits home the feelings that we all feel about the killings! What a grand piece, Great Work!!

Heidi Sands November 8, 2017 at 6:57 AM Omg. 3 miles from your home, Chris. I am so sorry to hear this. This incident already broke my heart, had me crying. I had enough of all this, just too horrific. God bless your community.