Words Aren't Enough
For all the victims of the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut
Words aren’t enough, the common tongue
judged useless to expunge our deepest grief.
Yet what else have we?
Music perhaps, gestures, grunts, touches
of cold comfort?
Rage exhausts itself, searching vainly
for some culprit.
We return to words and find them wanting.
Trusting others to know enough
to know just how we feel.
Continuing to mouth our vain attempts
to tame the savagery of loss.
Words aren’t enough we know.
We know, we know not what to say.
Yet speak and keep on speaking.
In the end; it’s all we know.
© James Rainsford 2012
Note to Readers: Posted to Open Link Night at dVerse Poets on 18th December 2012. This is a re-working of an earlier poem . Posted here this evening for all those who tragically lost their lives in Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Funny how that works, words aren't enough but many seem to spill out, thought provoking.
ReplyDeletewords may not be enough but i think we all have a common feeling this week...and as we share them emotions mingle as well....sometimes you just have to talk it out...
ReplyDeleteWords fail us all this week. I listen to Barber's Adagio for Strings when words fail me--I am there now--
ReplyDeletethankyou James...
ReplyDeleteWords aren't enough...until now, our hearts are breaking ~ Lovely share ~
ReplyDeleteI have no words :(
ReplyDeleteI say the words are too freely shared. Love more, speak less. Act more, speak less.
ReplyDeleteWe all keep searching for words when there are none adequate in times like these. But us lovers of words search anyway...where we sometimes find comfort. Beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteEven when they aren't enough...when it's all you've got, they must be expressed. I've filled pages since this tragic event, and it will haunt all our works...as it should. It is our compassion, our empathy...so much more than sympathy and words for words sake. Fantastic write, James...always!
ReplyDeleteWords are not enough - but sometimes, ineffectual as they may be - it is all we can offer and long to receive for at least, there is understanding of the need of empathy.
ReplyDeleteAnna
Oh yes...you're exactly right. This is just exactly how I feel, and probably everyone else too! Well done.
ReplyDeleteSo difficult to find words, and I am still struggling with them.... I am thankful that you gave voice to how many of us feel.
ReplyDeleteThis website was... how do I say it? Relevant!
ReplyDelete! Finally I've found something that helped me. Kudos!
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