Finished Poem - at least for now

So, after a couple of days of thinking about it, I have finished the poem I have started the other day in memory of the seven BHS boys, and Mrs. Lord and also for the four survivors. I decided to make it 12 lines, signifying each person who was in the van, because the survivors need to be remembered during this time also.
Here goes:

Pari Passu

Hand in Hand
You walk together now
Where death does not exist.
Away from the pain and sorrow
That has cast its shadow here.
I will not throw stones of blame
Because, I too, live in a house of glass.
But, I will remember you and through these dark days
The ease of your smile, the warmth of your soul
Will, but if for a moment, bring joy to my life.
Together we will remember
Hand in Hand.

~Tessie Hickey, January 15, 2008

Tragedy in my Hometown

This weekend has been one of mourning for the whole community of Bathurst, myself included. Although I am away at school, I have been deeply touched by the horrible accident that led to the death of seven students and teacher Beth Lord. I did not know any of the students directly, but I do know many of the families, including siblings, parents and cousins of the deceased. I am so upset by this incident that it is hard to find words. I have spent the past couple of days thinking about the families, and how they are coping with this awful accident. I am worried most of all about Mr. Lord, the coach, driver, and now widower. I hope that he will be able to come to terms with this accident, and see it for what it was, a terrible accident that could of happened to anyone. In my pain and my own attempts to cope, I have started a poem. It is unfinished, but this is what I have written so far:

Pari Passu

Hand in Hand
You walk together now
Where death does not exist.
Away from the pain and sorrow
That's cast its shadow here.

I will add three more lines, leaving me with one line for each of the deceased.

More information about the accident can be found at: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/01/12/nb-crash.html

My heart goes out to everyone who has lost their loved ones, in this accident and any other. To the families of Nathan Cleland, Nicki Quinn, Codey Branch, Javier Acevedo, Nick Kelly, Daniel Haines, Justin Cormir, and the Lord family, I hope you can all find peace and comfort in memories during the days to come.