Comment from strandregs

Excellent

Nicely written Stevey
My sympathies to you and all Zealanders.
As an Israeli I grew up with this atmosphere as a permanent background.
As my wife says feed the need and the hatred melts away.
I have escaped to England, which has become similar, but, my children
live in the horror of the middle east conflict.
May the force be with us. :-))Z.

 Comment Written 18-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019

Thanks, Zelick.

Out of the frying-pan, into a different sort of crockpot!

Thank you for the kind words. The shock of this week's events are felt more here because we have considered ourselves immune for so long. What is uplifting is to see the massive response of ordinary kiwis - a real groundswell of support.

You must be relieved that Trump and Jared Kushner are going to solve the middle east conflict. As they used to say about WWI, it'll be all over by Christmas!

Steve

reply by strandregs on 31-Mar-2019

You are absolutely right the Crackpots are steering the world into the storm and god is flooding everywhere trying to clean up.:-))Z.

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Exceptional

My question to the perpetrators of such hate and violence -
whatever happened to live and let live? As an Australian I immediately felt a pang of guilt that another Australian could do this.
Well said Steve,
thanks for sharing your thoughts,
valda

 Comment Written 17-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 17-Mar-2019

And thanks again. This was such an evil thing to do and has caused so much hurt and sorrow and some families will have been torn apart. But already there are massive positives coming from this incident. My only hope is that the perpetrator has access to TV in his cell so he can see the many thousands of ordinary kiwis going to mosques to pay tribute, holding vigils and simply supporting the Muslim community with warmth and hugs. His action, though devastating, has backfired big-time.

Steve

Comment from geetha silvaratnam

Excellent

Kia Kaha! A very very disturbing and devastating news to hear of. My prayers are with entire New Zealand, especially with the people and families affected. May God bless everyone. Your poem is chilling and the great artwork says it all.

 Comment Written 16-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019

Thank you, Geetha, for the thoughts and condolences.

Please excuse that the rest of this reply is copied and pasted.

If yesterday was shocking and disturbing, today has been a time of reflection and a great deal of positivity. There has been an immediate and overwhelming show of support across the whole country. For security reasons, police had advised people to stay away from mosques for now. I can report that this advice was totally ignored by the people of New Zealand.

Every mosque across the country was swamped by well-wishers. The streets were festooned with flowers and people of all denominations gathered at mosques to convey their sadness and simply to convey their support.

In addition, there have been vigils and organised support gatherings in all of our cities. A Givealittle page to raise money for the victims has raised more that $2m in less than 24 hours. Churches have thrown open their doors to anyone who needs to talk or simply sit in contemplation.

If this vile piece of dirt who carried out these acts thought he could cripple the Muslim community in NZ, he was sadly mistaken. They are mourning and in shock, but the huge upswell of public support from ordinary New Zealanders will have just the opposite effect from what the gunman intended.

Footnote. There have been, of course, messages of condolence and offers of support from religious and political leaders from around the globe. President Trump called PM Ardern personally and asked if there was anything we (the US) could do. I'm not sure if he expected her reply, though...

"Yes, you can show support and compassion for all people of Islamic faith."

Steve

reply by geetha silvaratnam on 16-Mar-2019

Hi Steve, thank you for sharing this wonderful piece of news with me. The positive and helpful spirit of the people of New Zealand is really inspiring and has brought back the faith in humanity. Once again, thank you for sharing. KIA KAHA...

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

What a horrific event to share in poetry, Steve. You did a great job expressing your thoughts/feelings. Your wife's picture is awesome. Your lines flow smoothly with great (but sad) imagery. Your author notes are informative as well. Great job and thanks for sharing a well-written free verse on such a sad topic. Stay string. My thoughts/prayers are with your countrymen. Jan

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019

Thank you, Jan, for the thoughts and condolences.

Please excuse that the rest of this reply is copied and pasted.

If yesterday was shocking and disturbing, today has been a time of reflection and a great deal of positivity. There has been an immediate and overwhelming show of support across the whole country. For security reasons, police had advised people to stay away from mosques for now. I can report that this advice was totally ignored by the people of New Zealand.

Every mosque across the country was swamped by well-wishers. The streets were festooned with flowers and people of all denominations gathered at mosques to convey their sadness and simply to convey their support.

In addition, there have been vigils and organised support gatherings in all of our cities. A Givealittle page to raise money for the victims has raised more that $2m in less than 24 hours. Churches have thrown open their doors to anyone who needs to talk or simply sit in contemplation.

If this vile piece of dirt who carried out these acts thought he could cripple the Muslim community in NZ, he was sadly mistaken. They are mourning and in shock, but the huge upswell of public support from ordinary New Zealanders will have just the opposite effect from what the gunman intended.

Footnote. There have been, of course, messages of condolence and offers of support from religious and political leaders from around the globe. President Trump called PM Ardern personally and asked if there was anything we (the US) could do. I'm not sure if he expected her reply, though...

"Yes, you can show support and compassion for all people of Islamic faith."

Steve

Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

It matters not that Islam is a flawed and terrifying religion, as was Christianity in its worst form(kill them all God knows his own), if they are not carefully taught, things will snap in the heads of some and they go on a jihad against the Muslim, the Jew, the Protestant, and even parental guidance and schooling will only slow the slaughter...sorry the way of the northern world had to come to New Zealand...

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019

Thanks, Red.

I have copied and pasted a reply I wrote earlier which outlines the way Kiwis respond to such actions.

*************

If yesterday was shocking and disturbing, today has been a time of reflection and a great deal of positivity. There has been an immediate and overwhelming show of support across the whole country. For security reasons, police had advised people to stay away from mosques for now. I can report that this advice was totally ignored by the people of New Zealand.

Every mosque across the country was swamped by well-wishers. The streets were festooned with flowers and people of all denominations gathered at mosques to convey their sadness and simply to convey their support.

In addition, there have been vigils and organised support gatherings in all of our cities. A Givealittle page to raise money for the victims has raised more that $2m in less than 24 hours. Churches have thrown open their doors to anyone who needs to talk or simply sit in contemplation.

If this vile piece of dirt who carried out these acts thought he could cripple the Muslim community in NZ, he was sadly mistaken. They are mourning and in shock, but the huge upswell of public support from ordinary New Zealanders will have just the opposite effect from what the gunman intended.

Footnote. There have been, of course, messages of condolence and offers of support from religious and political leaders from around the globe. President Trump called PM Ardern personally and asked if there was anything we (the US) could do. I'm not sure if he expected her reply, though...

"Yes, you can show support and compassion for all people of Islamic faith."

Steve

Comment from Ms. Snyder

Excellent

I hate to review things like this because it makes my heart ache to read about them. I have been burying my head in the sand for many months because of all the crazy things that go on in our world Steve, I'm sorry this is happening in your area. I know that New Zealand is a beautiful place, I am sorry this is happening and please stay strong. The perpetrators are not human. They don't process in their brains like normal beings. Pain and suffering is not something they can understand. It wrenches my heart to hear about this. Fonda

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019

Thank you, Fonda, for the thoughts and condolences.

Please excuse that the rest of this reply is copied and pasted.

If yesterday was shocking and disturbing, today has been a time of reflection and a great deal of positivity. There has been an immediate and overwhelming show of support across the whole country. For security reasons, police had advised people to stay away from mosques for now. I can report that this advice was totally ignored by the people of New Zealand.

Every mosque across the country was swamped by well-wishers. The streets were festooned with flowers and people of all denominations gathered at mosques to convey their sadness and simply to convey their support.

In addition, there have been vigils and organised support gatherings in all of our cities. A Givealittle page to raise money for the victims has raised more that $2m in less than 24 hours. Churches have thrown open their doors to anyone who needs to talk or simply sit in contemplation.

If this vile piece of dirt who carried out these acts thought he could cripple the Muslim community in NZ, he was sadly mistaken. They are mourning and in shock, but the huge upswell of public support from ordinary New Zealanders will have just the opposite effect from what the gunman intended.

Footnote. There have been, of course, messages of condolence and offers of support from religious and political leaders from around the globe. President Trump called PM Ardern personally and asked if there was anything we (the US) could do. I'm not sure if he expected her reply, though...

"Yes, you can show support and compassion for all people of Islamic faith."

Steve

Comment from Pam (respa)

Exceptional

-Thanks to you and your wife
for combining your art to
share your feelings about
this horrible tragedy, Steve.
-The notes are appreciated, too.
-It is at times like these when words
don't seem like enough to convey our
feelings to those who have lost so much.
-With that being said, your poem shows
that people are in mourning, but the
spirit of the nation is strong:
"Yet still we soar,
borne up by
the spirit of this place."
-My thoughts and prayers are
with the people of New Zealand.

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019

Pam, thanks for the very kind words and the six star rating.

Please excuse that the rest of this reply is copied and pasted.

If yesterday was shocking and disturbing, today has been a time of reflection and a great deal of positivity. There has been an immediate and overwhelming show of support across the whole country. For security reasons, police had advised people to stay away from mosques for now. I can report that this advice was totally ignored by the people of New Zealand.

Every mosque across the country was swamped by well-wishers. The streets were festooned with flowers and people of all denominations gathered at mosques to convey their sadness and simply to convey their support.

In addition, there have been vigils and organised support gatherings in all of our cities. A Givealittle page to raise money for the victims has raised more that $2m in less than 24 hours. Churches have thrown open their doors to anyone who needs to talk or simply sit in contemplation.

If this vile piece of dirt who carried out these acts thought he could cripple the Muslim community in NZ, he was sadly mistaken. They are mourning and in shock, but the huge upswell of public support from ordinary New Zealanders will have just the opposite effect from what the gunman intended.

Footnote. There have been, of course, messages of condolence and offers of support from religious and political leaders from around the globe. President Trump called PM Ardern personally and asked if there was anything we (the US) could do. I'm not sure if he expected her reply, though...

"Yes, you can show support and compassion for all people of Islamic faith."

Steve

reply by Pam (respa) on 16-Mar-2019

You are very welcome, Steve. No apology needed for sharing what you did in this reply. Tragedy is a horrible thing, but how people come together is amazing. I like your PM's response; she is a smart woman!

Comment from dragonpoet

Excellent

It is a horrible thing to have an attack anywhere, but in a house of worship it seems worse. You are supposed to be safest in holy places. I always wonder if all doors everywhere will have to have metal detectors on them. It is a sad thought, but it might have to happen. I do think that we all do stay strong through these times or no one would want to go on.

Keep writing

Joan

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019

Thank you, Joan, for the thoughts and condolences.

Please excuse that the rest of this reply is copied and pasted.

If yesterday was shocking and disturbing, today has been a time of reflection and a great deal of positivity. There has been an immediate and overwhelming show of support across the whole country. For security reasons, police had advised people to stay away from mosques for now. I can report that this advice was totally ignored by the people of New Zealand.

Every mosque across the country was swamped by well-wishers. The streets were festooned with flowers and people of all denominations gathered at mosques to convey their sadness and simply to convey their support.

In addition, there have been vigils and organised support gatherings in all of our cities. A Givealittle page to raise money for the victims has raised more that $2m in less than 24 hours. Churches have thrown open their doors to anyone who needs to talk or simply sit in contemplation.

If this vile piece of dirt who carried out these acts thought he could cripple the Muslim community in NZ, he was sadly mistaken. They are mourning and in shock, but the huge upswell of public support from ordinary New Zealanders will have just the opposite effect from what the gunman intended.

Footnote. There have been, of course, messages of condolence and offers of support from religious and political leaders from around the globe. President Trump called PM Ardern personally and asked if there was anything we (the US) could do. I'm not sure if he expected her reply, though...

"Yes, you can show support and compassion for all people of Islamic faith."

Steve

reply by dragonpoet on 16-Mar-2019

It seems these things never work as the terrorist would expect them to. People of faith and compassion can always be strong through their grieving with the help of others who empathize and sympathize.

Joan

Comment from Janice Canerdy

Excellent

There just aren't words sufficient to describe the reaches of evil in this world.
Your poem is very moving and well-written. I think some reports are saying
CHRISTIANS did this. Oh, no! If they're calling themselves Christians--HOW DARE THEY!

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019

Thank you, Janice, for the thoughts and condolences.

Please excuse that the rest of this reply is copied and pasted.

If yesterday was shocking and disturbing, today has been a time of reflection and a great deal of positivity. There has been an immediate and overwhelming show of support across the whole country. For security reasons, police had advised people to stay away from mosques for now. I can report that this advice was totally ignored by the people of New Zealand.

Every mosque across the country was swamped by well-wishers. The streets were festooned with flowers and people of all denominations gathered at mosques to convey their sadness and simply to convey their support.

In addition, there have been vigils and organised support gatherings in all of our cities. A Givealittle page to raise money for the victims has raised more that $2m in less than 24 hours. Churches have thrown open their doors to anyone who needs to talk or simply sit in contemplation.

If this vile piece of dirt who carried out these acts thought he could cripple the Muslim community in NZ, he was sadly mistaken. They are mourning and in shock, but the huge upswell of public support from ordinary New Zealanders will have just the opposite effect from what the gunman intended.

Footnote. There have been, of course, messages of condolence and offers of support from religious and political leaders from around the globe. President Trump called PM Ardern personally and asked if there was anything we (the US) could do. I'm not sure if he expected her reply, though...

"Yes, you can show support and compassion for all people of Islamic faith."

Steve

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Our hearts go out to families in Christchurch. Thank you for this well written news poem and for sharing your wife's wonderful art and teaching us that Maori phrase.

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019

Thank you, Helen, for the thoughts and condolences. Thank you also for the support of my poem with the Cent Pump gift.

Please excuse that the rest of this reply is copied and pasted.

If yesterday was shocking and disturbing, today has been a time of reflection and a great deal of positivity. There has been an immediate and overwhelming show of support across the whole country. For security reasons, police had advised people to stay away from mosques for now. I can report that this advice was totally ignored by the people of New Zealand.

Every mosque across the country was swamped by well-wishers. The streets were festooned with flowers and people of all denominations gathered at mosques to convey their sadness and simply to convey their support.

In addition, there have been vigils and organised support gatherings in all of our cities. A Givealittle page to raise money for the victims has raised more that $2m in less than 24 hours. Churches have thrown open their doors to anyone who needs to talk or simply sit in contemplation.

If this vile piece of dirt who carried out these acts thought he could cripple the Muslim community in NZ, he was sadly mistaken. They are mourning and in shock, but the huge upswell of public support from ordinary New Zealanders will have just the opposite effect from what the gunman intended.

Footnote. There have been, of course, messages of condolence and offers of support from religious and political leaders from around the globe. President Trump called PM Ardern personally and asked if there was anything we (the US) could do. I'm not sure if he expected her reply, though...

"Yes, you can show support and compassion for all people of Islamic faith."

Steve

reply by lyenochka on 16-Mar-2019

Thank you, Steve, for the moving update about the wonderful response of all the people to show they are loving neighbors of all faiths.