129 in Paris

In remembrance of those killed in the Paris Attacks, tonight I mourn. #peaceforparis

Tonight, I will mourn

For my brothers, my sisters, those I didn't know

But should have

For the loss of innocence

The loss of those faces and hearts

Too precious for the callous, unspeakable way they were taken

Too young for the weariness of sleep

As they danced, they died, and in that flame of life

how could they dare to be extinguished?

Tonight, I'll call not for the capture of those demons,

Not now, while we still weep for their crimes

those murderers who waged war on the city of love

who took what they had no right to take.

The ones who believe there's a reward for the bloodshed of the innocent.

No, this was not a battle, but a slaughter

and there will be no rest for those with bloodstained hands

Condemn them, yes, but there's no place

in history for their names

That honour belongs to the vanished ones

Who left this life too soon

and left behind the music

And there will not be silence

But we'll continue the melody they deserved

I should say nothing

For at this moment, my opinion cannot breach

the emptiness that tore our worlds in two

There is nothing anyone can say

to ease the agony of 129 lives gone, 

hearts stolen,

ripped from us with no chance to say goodbye

So listen

Do you hear the music that's still playing?

The song that resonates from instruments dropped

When the hands that played them faded

I hear their hearts beat in time to the song

and their voices resonate without a breath

Seldom a more melancholy piece has played

in my mind, my soul!

and yet the price to hear it is too high

Oh listen!

I hear the quavering notes echo on whispers

A lone chord crying out in 129 voices

and I can hear every silent part

A sonata composed of the breath of Paris

that shall never be taken away

I hear violins, cellos, every instrument that resonates

within us! That mournful, unspeakable instrument

that plays within our hearts now in salute

So salute them!

Kiss them away with everything you have to give

Mourn them with the life that they deserved

Live it well

and Listen

To this last song before midnight

to this melody of sorrow, and of bitter tears

and say nothing

For how better to mourn 129 lives

who danced before they died

with song?

Reviews

[Anuolua]

This is heartfelt, a genuine.

[The Hampstead Poet]

Thank you for your review. At a time we are mourning the loss of more than a hundred lives, I am glad that my words are appreciated.

[Anuolua]

You're welcome.