Two little boys will be entering
heaven today,
with their father.
They are frightened and confused.
There are many prayers.
It is difficult to leave.
They are a way a flower opens
to gather the sun,
to be christened by the wind,
to enfold the openness of the sky.
God, please bless them with peace.
Surround them with your compassion.
Hold them in your embrace,
that all is well.
Let our tears be your anointment
of our love.
Our grief is beyond pain.
Let there be hope in our despair.
We pray their lives are the Lord’s Prayer.
This catastrophe be replaced
by a beginning,
and the boys and father open their eyes
to another day,
the slate wiped clean