An Open Letter to Manchester

Dear Manchester; the strong and proud Manchester,

I've been constantly drinking water trying to get rid of the lump in my throat.

But it hasn't gone away.

I couldn't sleep the night before.

My head hurt, my heart broke, and my thoughts were enough to make anyone cry.

Visions of frantic mothers and fathers trying to find their missing children filled my mind.

People terrorized.

A beautiful part of England torn.

And I thought about a girl around my own age who is broken.

I'm in tears writing you this.

If anything, please know that I stand with you.

Wisconsin stands with you.

The one thing that always eases my devastation is seeing humanity pull together in the wake of trauma.

There's something that struck a chord in me today.

I read that a homeless man rushed into the arena to help the people inside.

Yes.

A homeless man.

A man that people probably walk right past every day.

A man whom adults shield their children from because they assume he is dangerous.

Someone who you'd least expect to help.

He found a woman bleeding out from the side.

She couldn't stand, so he and another man lifted her to an ambulance near by.

I saw that restaurants offered free meals.

Taxi drivers gave free rides.

Hotels offered a place to stay.

Tea was given to the first responders.

Hundreds donated blood.

I heard that a first responder held Saffie.

He wrapped her in his jacket and comforted her in her final hours.

I've noticed that with tragedy comes anger.

I've seen people criticize Ariana Grande herself.

I've heard people judge her.

Her and a group of people.

The stupidity, blindness, and unfair labeling on Muslim people has risen again.

Understand this.

Right now, especially right now the last thing we need is hate.

Judgments will not make us grow.

Scathing words will not make us get back up.

Please give love.

Give it each and everyday.

Give compassion.

Give empathy.

Give education.

Give joy.

The world needs it.  

Manchester you're incredible.

Keep staying strong.

Keep pushing on.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

When we unite as a world, we have the power to heal.

I love you.

Kathryn S

In Loving Memory:

Saffie Rose Roussos

Let me see you put your hearts up

If we give a little love

We can change the world

Author's Note

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Kathryn. A sad day. My prayers on with Manchester.
Coyote

[Kathryn Smith]

Thank you. xx

[Coyote Poetry]

A sad day getting worst. The story of the good people lost. Breaking my heart.

[pia]

This was so heart whelming and sweet
I loved hearing out stuff supporting what happened in Manchester. It was absolutely horrible. I am deeply sorry about the losses due to that tragic incident at the hand of monsters

[Kathryn Smith]

Thank you Pia! xo

[Farhan Shaikh]

Woah! That's good that you took a step to write something for Manchester..

[Kathryn Smith]

Thank you! :) xx

[Anjali]

Hatred is dirt cheap and hence it gets sold easily, Love is too expensive!
Thank you Kathryn for sharing the story about the homeless man who offered help in times of need- this is what speaks louder of humanity.

[Kathryn Smith]

Thank you for reading! I read an update about the homeless man and he has been offered a place to stay. People are wonderful.

[Anjali]

Wow, that's good news.

[Rassoul]

This is great I loved it.

[Kathryn Smith]

Thank you for stopping by to read it! :)

[wordman]

it brings out the best of us when it happens,but the hate will rage on forever,it breaks our hearts,and we wonder will it ever stop

[Kathryn Smith]

I think if we continue to show love and maybe change a few things, we have the power to slow hatred down. Thanks for the review! x