Ten Candles - Torontostrong

For the victims, their families and the community impacted by the April 23, 2018 van attack on Yonge Street in Toronto. A sunny day it seemed to be, The perfect walk at 1:23, But then the hand hit 24, Ten lives about to be no more. The tires screech, the pedal floored, As hate now speeds towards the horde, The lucky, agile, get away, The whole street now in disarray. Despite the shock they run to aide, Some did their best while others prayed, The bodies strewn about the street, The hater’s plan was now complete. Loud screams, phone calls, they fill the air, The weight of lives is hard to bear, Seconds pass as heartbeats fade, The sunny day has turned to shade. As sirens come the damage is done, Today it seems that hate has won, But look around, forget the fear, Community will persevere. Five flames are held within each palm, It’ll take both hands to right this wrong, And yet there’s hope in what will be, The power’s in our hands you see. The hands that now hold others too, Even those who’d not met you, For we don’t care what’s not the same When terror’s here to change the game. All faiths, the faithless, side by side, Diversity is a thing of pride, Guys and gals, the old and young, One voice is heard where songs are sung. You are ten candles, burning bright, Bringing warmth to this cold night, Even small flames can light the way, To bring us to a better day. Rest in peace. April 29, 2018