Carrying the Weight-For Sandy Hook
The tonnage of this load
exceeds all legal limits;
the bridge cannot be crossed.
Its crushing weight
of granite grief
will split the spans and
send you spiraling down.
Unless (and
I am no engineer)
the load is
properly distributed
on this barren,
buckling asphalt,
heaving under
the pressures
of your shattered,
tear-stained hearts.
We will bear it
with you, even it out on our shoulders,
containers in motion
transporting anguish
across state lines. Carry this
cargo of pain that’s sent you
careening across an endless
four lane stretch, nearly out of fuel
bereft of even water, heading towards empty.
This load will not crush you but will be borne over the coming days. And we will wait on the other side
heads atilt, marking your
arrival as you cross,
waving a sign Rest Stop Ahead.
And we will help you rest.
