My blog theme this month is Changing Perspectives. I’m writing from different spaces and viewpoints. When my friend Glenda Funk shared that she would be traveling through Uvalde, Texas on an upcoming trip and offered to post a written tribute at the monument, I wrote this poem and sent it by email for her to print and take with her. Tears well in my heart for those grieving families who have lost their loved ones. Hope fills my heart as I imagine what really happened that day.
A New School
I’ve often wondered
When horrific things happen
Why God allows it
But we’ll never know
Why they were taken so young
This side of Heaven
I’ve never believed
We die in fear, suffering
But that Jesus comes
In those moments to
Gather us into His arms
Before we die here
I see His presence
Imagine His bright aura
Stepping into class
“Children, come with me,”
He’d said, before the gunman
Ever opened fire
Souls were already
Safely climbing Heaven’s steps ~
Joy, not fear, was theirs
Twenty one sweet souls
Left their bodies, took His hand
Climbed to pearly gates
Leaving holes in hearts
Of all of those who loved them
But feeling no pain
I believe Jesus
Died for us, suffered our death
Comes back to take us
Beautiful angels
Whose learning began anew:
How to Soar with Wings
-Kim Haynes Johnson
Acts 2: 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’
*With gratefulness to Glenda Funk, a fellow writer at www.ethicalela.com, who will this poem at the monument on her way through Uvalde. May God’s peace comfort the grieving families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy.
Common Threads 
Heartwarming words and heartbreaking for the families. Thank you for sharing.
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Kim,
Your poem is beautiful. It comes from such a tender heart, I know. My own poems have taken a darker turn, and even at this late date I’m trying to find the right words to share w/ the Uvalde community. Maybe that’s not the correct approach. Maybe I need to just be honest and true to my own vision of grief and what must happen to end the carnage, but I worry that’s not what a grieving community needs right now. I have today to figure it all out.
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Glenda, you always find the right words exactly. I know you will find them today. I keep thinking of Lexi Rubio’s mother’s words about her daughter wanting to be an attorney so she could make a difference. “Please make sure she makes one now,” the mother pleaded. There is such hope and promise in those words. Maybe. Just maybe the powers will listen. Truth and honesty of your vision is what is needed – a nation rising to higher standards!
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It’s wonderful how you and Glenda are working together to bring this poem to Uvalde. I hope it brings comfort to those who need to hear this message.
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So beautiful, Kim, both the poem and the photo. I sent out the photo that you gathered out to Twitter.
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Uvalde is on my mind every day, Kim. It is a heaviness in my heart. I had such a hard time with words that day and many days after. Your poem offers comfort on many levels, from the wondering why (it is a broken world; people are broken) to trust – which is also beautifully reflected in the verses from Acts. I pray for Uvalde to experience an outpouring of love. I pray that poems and prayers help. Thank you for these words.
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