These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Honoring the Grief

How do we honor what was lost one week ago?
The rushing water, ghostly loud, too swift
it snatched those sleeping gems of life, none can replace.

Last moments known only to God when facing the unfeeling foe.

The water rises overcoming the foundation's refuge.
Merciless assailant unhindered by doors still bolted and latched.
Some find the roof with life's last strength as heroes finally succumb.

The two, still clasping hands when found, so far away, were swept.
The preacher saved so many lives, but finally his was lost.
The young man saved his family, still bled of glass, then gone.

The nine were saved through one small hole. They scrambled to the roof.
The young man stood on an electrical box until salvation came.
Some youth were in a bus, singing to praise the One, Who saves.

Too many lost, so many saved.
Such hope and devastation mixed.
How do we grieve with those who grieve to honor what we cannot know?

Remember.
Pray.
In silence stand.

Now, wordlessly most broken are
the ones who grieve such lasting loss.
Most broken are the ones whose grief is little help for those who need it most.

by Jay O’Toole
on July 11th, 2025