Before

Nov. 7, 2018. Thousand Oaks (13 deaths)

did they think of country music and designated drivers

future dreams and frustrating finals

retirement and golden years

leaning over pool tables

a home for survivors

 

Oct. 27, 2018. Pittsburgh synagogue (11 deaths)

did they think of prayers and cool rain

baby names and children running

blend of woods and purple carpets

breakfast decisions to be made

infectious laughter and cooking together

 

Aug. 26, 2018. Jacksonville Landing (3 deaths)

did they think of controllers and crowds

Twitch and YouTube fame

gamertags and choosing the best avatar

relaxing in a favorite chair

fun and skill wrapped in one

 

May 18, 2018. Santa Fe High School (10 deaths)

did they think of paint and ceramics

gym sneakers squeaking across the floor

black pebbled turf

sun summer freedom

college letters received with anticipation

 

Feb. 14, 2018. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (17 deaths)

did they think of hearts and cards

25 cent carnation flowers

like-like confessions

stuffed teddy bears

teachers shaking their heads at pda

 

Oct. 1, 2017. Las Vegas (58 deaths)

did they think of sparkling lights and watered down alcohol

chance meetings

music vibrating through the air

a gamble they otherwise wouldn’t have made

warm bodies swaying in the wind

 

June 12, 2016. Pulse Nightclub (49 deaths)

did they think of top shelf liquor and warm barstools

languid laughter

one too many shots

humid bodies pressing against each other

a near first kiss

Dec. 14, 2012. Sandy Hook Elementary School (28 deaths)

did they think of crayons and soft mats

playing pretend at recess

trading a mini-pizza for a pudding cup

green dot on a spelling test

reading the first Hank the Cowdog

after

how could we forget

Photo by NBC News