In the silence after

In the silence after

In the silence after
I hugged my own child
Knowing there are mothers who will
Never hug their child again

In the silence after
I raged in my heart
Knowing hearts have stopped
Never to beat again

In the silence after
I wept for myself
Knowing the innocence of children broken
A city in despair and unbelief

In the silence after
I questioned my God
Knowing he may not answer
Just yet

In the silence after
The flowers still bloomed
Tussocked islands waved at cars
When they passed

In the silence after
Strangers hugged on the street
Hi-viz and hijab
Knowing there are still
Arms to reach out
Hearts to beat on
In the silence after