Lori Boulard - 006 Columbines

It is not the death of youth
that shocks us into grief,
but the sucker-punch reminder
we were never in control.

We cultivate our children
like fresh spring bulbs,
nurturing the blossoms, feeding
the roots, wrenching the weeds

around the tender stem.
The backlash of violence
is nature's thorn prick,
the stabbing truth that

despite our tireless tending,
our perfect homes
and pure intentions,
we will never

spade every flaw
in the flowerbed,
every stone in the soil
slowly choking the roses.

Lori Boulard

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/006-columbines/