For Sandy Hook

Words so often fall short, it's important to notice the moments when they don't. 

Provided below is the poem "Christmas Bells" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  It was, as you'll notice, written about the American Civil War, a conflict that was fascinating to the poet.  The poem its self, especially the last half, is heartbreakingly fitting following the events at Sandy Hook Elementary.  Our nation has so many difficult discussions ahead of us, and there will come a time to talk about the political ramifications.  For now though, it's more appropriate to "be in the ditch" with those who mourn, as using their loss to further any agenda at all undermines the event its self. 

The last 3 stanzas are when your mind will, despite your best efforts, turn to Sandy Hook.

So read these words, and picture those you hold close as you do.

Christmas Bells

I heard the bells of Christmas Day
their old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet,
the words repeat 
Of peace on earth good will towards men!

And thought how, as the day had come, 
the belfries of all Christendom, 
had rolled along
the unbroken song
Of peace on earth good will towards men!

Till ringing, singing, on its way, 
the world revolved from night to day
a voice, a chime, 
a chant sublime 
Of peace on earth good will towards men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth, 
The cannon thundered in the South!
and with the sound,
the carols drowned, 
Of peace on earth good will toward men!

It was as if an earthquake rent, 
The hearth-stones of a continent 
and made forlorn, 
The households born
Of peace on earth good will towards men!

And in despair I bowed my head, 
"There is no peace on earth!" I said, 
for hate is strong, 
and mocks the song,
Of peace on earth good will towards men, 

Then pealed the bells, more loud and deep!
"God is not dead; nor does he sleep" 
The wrong shall fail
The right prevail, 
With peace on earth, good will towards men!