Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Remembering Boston



Today, on the anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing, I wanted to re-post a poem I wrote last year in response to that event.  It was inspired by Fred Rogers, a man whose spirit will always live in my imagination's beautiful neighborhood.


In the Wake of More Senseless Tragedy

Look for the helpers,
                     healers
                     carers;
                     arms-open,
                     heart-holding,
                     warm smile-wearers.
Seek out the heroes,
               the everyday joes
               with offers of food,
                                      a bed,
                                      warm clothes,
Follow their lead,
     harness your power—
          spread kindness and love 
                in your own finest hour.
Be who you are,
     fan your flame at the source;
          and ask, “What can I do to change future’s course?”

© 2013 Michelle Heidenrich Barnes.  All rights reserved.


4 comments:

  1. What a lovely poem, Michelle! I do so love that the message that came through all the tragedies was Mr. Rogers'.
    I heard a wonderful interview on NPR with a doctor who was on scene and managed to use his belt as a tourniquet to help one of the wounded. He spoke about recently going to buy a new belt and explained that the primary consideration as to which one he would buy was that it would make a good tourniquet. He's going to make sure he's ready to be a helper again

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  2. I remember seeing this by Mr. Rogers, Michelle, and you've translated it into a poem quite beautifully. It's a sad day to have to commemorate such a tragedy, but to those who stepped in to help, as so many do, we must notice. Thank you!

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  3. Touching and true, Michelle. I know so many more heros in life than villains. A beautiful poem that does help.
    Janet F.

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  4. I love quoting Mr. Rogers -- it seems as though he has an appropriate quote for almost any situation.
    "in your own finest hour" -- nicely put, Michelle!

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