The Children

I want to hear their names
the soft and hard sounds
enunciated by the mothers and fathers
who loved them
who planned for them
and now grieve their loss
let Noah Olivia Catherine James
spill from their mouths again and again
let bereft voices groan with affection
for Avielle Jack Jessica Emilie
champion the innocence and hope
each young life embodied
the dreams hovering at the ready
to ride a pony tease the neighbor save a life
let Benjamin Dylan Caroline Josephine
be celebrated in prayer and rejoicing

I want to hear their names
spun like strands of silver across the winter sky
raised in celebration for the love they shared
and lifted Madeleine Allison Daniel Ana
let the names convey the beauty
these fragile children carried
human eyes of many hues hair of many shades
yet still the carols sound melodies embracing
Jesse Chase Charlotte Grace
these children
our sorrow

June Nirschl has been teasing out poems since first meeting Robert Frost and John Greenleaf Whittier. She has been a co-author on Slightly Off Q and Two Off Q. Her poetry awards include the Jade Ring and Peninsula Pulse’s Hal Grutzmacher’s Award.