Set tragedy aside and let this trouble be —

The stout hearts and true souls of antiquity

Are with us to this day if we care to look

At more than just the sorrow in the worldly book.

Atrocity is common, and kindness must be sought,

Although it is much quieter and history is fraught;

Then give your heart to others, and gently handle all,

And listen in the first light for that distant call.

In the face of madness and proof that harm is real,

We must not cast away our hope despite the chill we feel,

Where we barter what we sought for, and then lose instead,

The very thing we went to find — a promise to the dead.

After we have gathered all that we can get,

Let’s not turn back too often — although we can’t forget —

Then humbled let us rise again and cast off every fear,

And salvage what we can from a most upsetting year.

Sam Southworth, Newmarket, New Hampshire