Here’s the thing: it’s gotten hard to watch the news because a madman (or madmen) doing horrible things to innocent people has become such a frequent occurrence. But Sutherland Springs hit us hard. As we watched the story unfold, it shook us to the core. For one thing, it’s so close (only 30 miles away). The madman went to high school in our town. And it happened in church! Seems like you should feel safe in a church. Not anymore. So a few nights later, I woke up and discovered Karen was gone. I found her at the kitchen table, writing away. Same thing the next night. And another. The result was this poem. (She did the artwork too–pretty amazing, huh?)
A Lament for Sutherland Springs
Lost rage clinging to death
Stalked up the walk in black
On skin colored with chalk.
Battling what was won
By God’s begotten Son,
Who died for you and me
Then rose in victory! The veil torn.
Excuses will not work,
Explanations not heard
For such dark sorrow sown.
The Word being spoken,
Proclaimed to the broken
By numbers of His love.
Decisions made alone. Let us pray.
Locked in minds a syndrome;
Air heavy, breath won’t come.
Lives are gone, but not for long.
Their spirits are released.
No fear in any eyes,
Souls on the other side
See light, arms opened wide. Heaven’s here!
Hear the screaming; hear the shouting;
Hear the praying; cease the doubting—
It’s a fallen world.
Stubborn ignorant pride;
Drugs, alcohol and lies
Are excuses folks use.
Just fuel to flame evil
From thoughts of sick people
In hearts that can be healed,
Transformed and made anew. Why not you?
My enemy, my friend—
Perhaps neighbor or kin—
No hero at the end.
Reasons for senseless hate
Words can’t articulate.
Blood stains your given name,
A coward’s show of shame. What went wrong?
Pleas echo on the hill;
Pass laws that shouldn’t kill.
Galvanize for action..
Show hurt some compassion..
Move from complacency..
Give grief some dignity.
Wisdom calls you to her. Please listen.
Hear the screaming; hear the shouting;
Hear the praying; cease the doubting—
Change the fallen world.
Thoughts in anguish reeling
Bodies move unfeeling
Shocked by the intrusion;
Life seems an illusion.
But there are green pastures
Near quiet, still waters
On paths of righteousness. Jesus calls.
Faith, unseen friend teaching;
Hope given, world reaching;
Love, greatest gift without end.
Food for hungry times.
Answers for the meek,
Filling all who seek. Revive us.
So let His Spirit flow;
Powering passion to show
Forgiveness can be real.
Marching to Zion’s hill
Hands grasped without the dread
That life will end instead.
Salvation to the lost. Lord, come back.
Hear the screaming; hear the shouting;
Hear the praying; cease the doubting—
Free a fallen world.
–Karen Malmgren
I do not really enjoy poetry — you Karen changed my mind — I read this and reread it a couple of times — beautiful, poignant, quiet and powerful! I had no idea that you were an artist with words and drawings. Yhank you
What a beautifully spirit-filled poem. Thank you for sharing this with the world. Praise be to God & all His glory!
Karen this is caring, moving, and fitting. I needed to read these words. Keep writing. Keep believing. Keep caring. It’s what the world needs.
Love you,
Nancy
Beautiful
Beautiful expression of emotions felt after such a senseless act of violence.
Strong powerful imagery. But I feel the darkness of your pain. Wonderful art work. Giving Dallin a run for his money with your writing.