Students and Columbine Community,

I have been moved to tears so many times in the last week as I am

witness to your grief. I pray your wounds will heal. I have nothing to

offer but my words. . .

"Snowglobe"

For the students of Columbine High School

by Heather K. Thornburg

April 27, 1999

Ordinary day,

Familiar scene,

All is in its place,

Until the shaking. . .

One exploding moment,

A breath, a blink, a heartbeat,

And my entire sky is shattered.

Its pieces pierce and wound me

As they tumble down around my feet.

Earth above me, sky below me,

All is twisted.

I grip the grass to try and stop the spinning,

To keep from falling

Into space my sky once hid.

The pounding in my ears -

My heart - is all I hear.

My blood-slicked hands are fumbling

As I try and gather to me

The indigo twilight of my security,

The broken pieces of my sky -

It can't be done.

I close my eyes, my body slack,

I expel what seems to me my final breath.

The pounding - I thought my heart had quit its beating.

I open my eyes and look,

The broken pieces strewn around my feet

Seem fewer than before.

I look above me, and catch my breath -

The hands, so many hands

Are reconstructing me.

The hammer blows hurt my ears -

And heal my heart

As others work to build my sky above me.

Alone, I'm helpless -

In multiplicity, I'm strong.

My sky will never be the same,

I can see the scars its tearing left behind.

I have seen the space beyond

And lived to tell -

Because of those who walked beside

I can move again.

I will remember all of you. When I teach my children to tolerate those who

are different in appearance and opinions, I will remember you. When I look

into the eyes of a teenager I pass on the street and smile, I will remember

you. When I invite teens into my home for Pepsi and pizza, I will remember

you. When I make myself available for a teen who needs to talk, I will

remember you. When I check my judgment at the door, I will remember you.

When I choose to extend grace instead of condemnation - to anyone, I will

remember you. I cannot be with you in body so I send what I can - words,

spirit. . .and I will embrace those I can reach.

God be with you,

Heather Thornburg

HThorn728@AOL.com

Federal Way, WA