Children...

Oh, the children!

Little girl,

you were in the safe room,

under attack,

waiting for your parents to return,

but it provided no protection.

If only those men hadn’t heard,

you crying...

Little girl rest in perpetual peace,

for your pain has found its surcease.

Shalom...

Little girl,

you were in a car trying to escape,

under attack,

the only one still alive but with a phone,

asking for help but they were attacked.

If only there had been a miracle to prevent,

you dying...

Little girl rest in perpetual peace,

for your pain has found its surcease.

Salaam...

We failed you both.

Please forgive us.

If women were in power,

you would be with us now.

Alive. Safe.

Rest assured as you play together

in that eternal place and space:

There is no religion in heaven.

Children...

Oh, the children!