because love

Salt

for the Newtown children and their staff

Because love is stronger than death

I light this candle for you.

Because stars do not know fear

cast yours away as you sail,  

moonbeams, swift in the heavens.

Because this season you

too have been uprooted,

I trim this tree for you:

pink, blue, red, yellow, green –

crayon box colors.

Because tears are salt

and blood is brine, the sea

shouts dark upon dark; the sky

blooms a silent, inky wound.

Armies of silver needles

drop, soundless, to the ocean floor.

Because these bones ache for you

and your pretty gifts that will not be opened

I open this place in my heart

where the briny tide ebbs and flows

and little star fish call your names. 

(copyright cathy larson sky 2012)