The Quiet Ones

The most innocent of innocents,
his target for the day.
Their only defense, falling
on their little knees to pray.
Their loving folks had kept them
isolated from the world,
without a thought such horror
would ever be unfurled
before these children, raised with love
and pledged to serve the Lord.
Their lives unto this moment lived
in peace and sweet accord.

The demons deep within became
unleashed in him that day.
These darlings of the Quiet Ones,
chosen the price to pay.
Perhaps God had a reason that
he didn't stay the hand 
that brought such grief and sorrow,
so the world would understand
the example set before it by
these gentle, kindly ones.
That they could forgive so quickly
is a fact that truly stuns.
It may be He wants the world to know
that some have found the way
to follow Christ's example in
this chaotic, sinful day.


Posted for Kindheartedness Contest  won hm

I wrote this in 2006, after the little Quaker children were murdered by a neighbor.  The 
parents of the children actually found it in their hearts to reach out to the murderer's family, 
knowing they were also suffering.  I was so impressed by their kindness that I wrote this 
poem.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Fraser Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 5:38 AM
Joyce, no wonder this poem was recognised in a contest and deservedly so. It's so tragic what modern man does to modern man. I would have thought that our histories would have been enough to make us change. But apparently not. Have a wonderful weekend >> James
Sweetheart Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Congrats Joyce on your HM in the contest.. a wonderful write and a lovely honor to add to your portfolio..luv.. Linda-Marie..
Freeman Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 9:16 AM
Awesome, Congratulations Joyce, on this fine gem, nothing can compare to this awesome love, that we are made off. Agape, Moses
Devonshire Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 7:29 AM
I was so glad to see this poem receive recognition in Dane Ann's contest, Joyce. Very moving. Love, Carolyn
Beam Avatar
March 22, 2010 at 6:28 PM
thank you very kind words and this one too sadly there are but thank Lord we have hope. Our family name is of the quaker's roughly translated Boem thanks for sharing this poem very nice
Kendrick Avatar
March 22, 2010 at 5:04 PM
Good write that should do well..Good luck in the contest..I have not heard about this incident.Sara
A  Avatar
March 21, 2010 at 2:41 PM
I just enjoyed the compassion in your poetry today a very well written poem .
Richards Avatar
March 21, 2010 at 7:26 AM
Such a tragic story this was....but what a testimony of forgiveness.....and a lesson to each one of us, that hearts are capable of such goodness. Well done, Joyce! Love, Carrie
Devonshire Avatar
March 21, 2010 at 6:04 AM
What a tragic event, Joyce, and sometimes those who are most hurt by the actions of such an aggressor manage to show the most compassion. I would have been impressed by their kindness, too. True Christian behavior; Jesus turned the other cheek. Very moving poem. Love, Carolyn
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