Arizona Tragedy: Tucson

A brief poetic tribute about those who lost their lives...

The six who died. Courtesy: cfnews13.com

(CLEVELAND) - The population of the United States is still reeling from the senseless shooting that took place in Arizona, killing several Americans gathered for a sidewalk meeting with Arizona Representative Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords.

Suspect Jared Loughner

They ranged from a Federal Judge; John Roll, to nine-year old Christina Taylor Green who was born on 11 September 2001; the day of one of America's darkest tragedies; not to sell this brutal slaying short.

Fourteen innocent people were wounded.

Among those who responded and stopped the shooter before things became even worse, extraordinary acts of bravery were shown.

Of course there are so many names, so many people affected; the loved ones of the slain and injured and the survivors themselves, will always be saddled with the memory of this day.

This is a brief poetic tribute about those who lost their lives.

Regardless of how many stories are written and any amount of tribute paid, it is simply amazing that a man would wreak so much havoc on so many innocent people.

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True love, husband & wife together for more than 50 years,
A joyous relationship much happiness & fewer if any tears,
One half century of memories is there anything left to fear?
Death, a grocery store, can’t destroy love for you my dear.

A young couple, seeking not years but their wedding day,
Newly engaged equally mesmerized year one on it’s way,
Rep. Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords head shot, she survived,
Federal Judge John Roll, an angel born on 9/11 would die.

14 innocent individuals were wounded while six are slain,
A calamity mixed with casualties oh how great is the pain,
Where were you on the 8th of January, reminds me of JFK,
I’ll always remember where I was on that tragic filled day.

Youngest of the victims Christina Taylor Green was only 9,
Phyllis Schneck 79 and Dorothy Morris was 76 at the time,
Also at 76 Dorwan Stoddard with 30 for Gabe Zimmerman,
Can we image the devastation of loved ones & next of kin?

George Morris, Dorothy’s love, shot twice trying to shield,
His wife, wedded bliss, bravery, firepower made him yield,
High school sweethearts & a little one still enjoying school,
Lone gunman, semi-automatic, like a carpenter uses a tool.

Saying there’s no logical reason no matter how hard we try,
Insanity? Does the trigger happy assailant even know why?
Like Timothy McVey it’s doubtful he will have one regret,
Like an armed killer left 33 dead, 4/16/07 at Virginia Tech.

Too many stories & not nearly enough space, I’m not tryin,
Gabe from Giffords staff and fiancee nurse Kelly O’Brien,
A future of service to others & each other forever on hold,
Only one armed while others were not, decided to be bold.

Oh there are other names as well thankfully many survived,
This brief poetic tribute is about those who lost their lives,
But, no matter how many stories, articles, pieces are done,
Still amazing how much devastation can be caused by one.

As time marches on more and more the reasons will unfold,
And while this Shakespearian tragedy continues to be told,
Anyone help but wonder where, will the next lunatic strike?
Supermarket 10 A.M. Saturday how could it not be alright?

By Luke Easter

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Luke Easter is a poet who writes about things that are very close to the heart of Salem-News.com. Another former U.S. Marine, Luke heals the world with an approach that reaches people on a different level, one known for centuries, yet too often forgotten in the one we live in.

We live in a world of social & economic injustice. The main reason for founding America in the first place was to relieve the oppression of the King of England. Patrick Henry said it best, “give me liberty or give me death.” And yet, all too often death seems to be the only way out. Why is there such a high suicide rate especially among teens, in the land of the free & the home of the brave? What makes headlines? Good news? Ha! More depressing stories than anything else. I feel poetry takes an edge off the hurt of bad news while still delivering it but in a, “glitzy” sort of way. Giving a different perspective. Kind of like slap in the face as opposed to a knife in the back. At least with the slap you’ll live to see another day and you will know whom it’s from. I wasn’t here for the beginning of the world but at 59, I just might be here for the end.

Even though it’s still a knife, rhyme poetry helps to dull the blade. And that’s my job. You can write to Luke Easter at: lyricsfromlucas@aol.com

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Jesse Sharpton January 13, 2011 6:17 pm (Pacific time)

Wow, this site is really Orwellian! Some poster makes comments that you review (you can dump, but you don't!!), and discusses what appears to be the black violence...

Editor: Orwellian?  You are a two bit idiot posting racist garbage under different names, Charlie.  You simply have things to say that are not worth hearing.  Try visiting the KKK site or the Nazi party; those bastards will probably love you.  Then you can all go burn in hell together, hopefully sooner than later.

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Charlie January 13, 2011 2:08 pm (Pacific time)

Collin Ferguson did okay did he not Easter? How about the mass killer in Atlanta? How about the black...

Editor: How about if you shove your racism where the sun doesn't shine?  You will never espouse your racist BS here you little brain.  If you ever wonder why everyone you know hates you, drop me a line and I'll explain it.   

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