Sanctuary
Free verse19 total reviews
Comment from Sasha
This is beautifully written and so heart breaking to read. I can and will never understand the hatred of people that have different beliefs. There is no excuse for such carnage. I wish I had a 6 left to give you for this one.
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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This is beautifully written and so heart breaking to read. I can and will never understand the hatred of people that have different beliefs. There is no excuse for such carnage. I wish I had a 6 left to give you for this one.
Comment Written 15-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Thank you, Sasha, for the kind words and the virtual six.
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
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Thanks for the detailed update on this horrible act of hatred and cruelty.
Comment from nancy_e_davis
This was a terrible thing and obviously the Devils work. Cowards all, the men who would gun down unarmed Men, women, and children praying in their church. How can anyone be so cold hearted. They must have been on drugs to have done such a thing. Normal people do not have it in them to do such a thing as this. Good Job Steve. Nancy:)
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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This was a terrible thing and obviously the Devils work. Cowards all, the men who would gun down unarmed Men, women, and children praying in their church. How can anyone be so cold hearted. They must have been on drugs to have done such a thing. Normal people do not have it in them to do such a thing as this. Good Job Steve. Nancy:)
Comment Written 15-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Nancy, thank you 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 Mark Valentine
An American congresswoman, a Muslim named Ilhan Omar, recently made a remark that many felt was anti-Semitic. The content of the comment didn't strike me as much as the reaction to it - I saw one Facebook post that had her picture with the label "Muslim" in front of a photo of a plane flying into the World Trade Center tower on 9-11. The point of that post was clearly not to condemn anti-Semitism, but to foment racial hatred. Our president uses that playbook all the time. Ultimately that path ends in violence.
My heart goes out to Christchurch. You have done an excellent job in shining a light on the absurdity of hatred. They went there to pray, for God's sakes. The only message that a person who kills children in a house of worship can be sending is "I am evil".
Your poem makes me feel that there must be some sanctuary from the madness - and that we all have to be part of that solution.
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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An American congresswoman, a Muslim named Ilhan Omar, recently made a remark that many felt was anti-Semitic. The content of the comment didn't strike me as much as the reaction to it - I saw one Facebook post that had her picture with the label "Muslim" in front of a photo of a plane flying into the World Trade Center tower on 9-11. The point of that post was clearly not to condemn anti-Semitism, but to foment racial hatred. Our president uses that playbook all the time. Ultimately that path ends in violence.
My heart goes out to Christchurch. You have done an excellent job in shining a light on the absurdity of hatred. They went there to pray, for God's sakes. The only message that a person who kills children in a house of worship can be sending is "I am evil".
Your poem makes me feel that there must be some sanctuary from the madness - and that we all have to be part of that solution.
Comment Written 15-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Thank you, Mark, for the thoughts and condolences.
Please excuse that the rest of this reply is copied and pasted. PS You will enjoy the last sentence!
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
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Thanks for sharing this - it makes me want to move to New Zealand.
Comment from jlsavell
Steve,
Your poetry says it all, yet words, despite how eloquent and beautifully stated, will always be inept at expressing the sadness, the horror, the perplexing truth as to how anyone can hate so much or justify taking lives, most especially young tender lives. We as a society of true humanity will never understand how someone can be so indoctrinated with extreme judgement, superiority, and hatred that they as individuals or a group can perpetrate and perpetuate such acts of evil.
What is our world coming to?
Thank you for sharing. Tears fall and grief is overwhelming.
Jimi
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Steve,
Your poetry says it all, yet words, despite how eloquent and beautifully stated, will always be inept at expressing the sadness, the horror, the perplexing truth as to how anyone can hate so much or justify taking lives, most especially young tender lives. We as a society of true humanity will never understand how someone can be so indoctrinated with extreme judgement, superiority, and hatred that they as individuals or a group can perpetrate and perpetuate such acts of evil.
What is our world coming to?
Thank you for sharing. Tears fall and grief is overwhelming.
Jimi
Comment Written 15-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Thanks, Jimi, for the thoughts and sincerecondolences.
Please excuse that the rest of this reply is copied and pasted. I have made the same comments in the Forum.
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
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Thank you for your reply Steve. It matters not if it was copied or pasted. Everyone should read this. And though I don?t want to make anything about trumpboy in this great time of sadness and uncertainty, I think what your PM said should ring across the world and to his blind supporters. Again thank you. What exactly is the page to donate?
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You can probably donate at this page. Not sure it works outside NZ though,,,
https://givealittle.co.nz/donate/cause/christchurch-shooting-victims-fund
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Thank you Steve. I will look into it and let you know if I can.
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What a fantastic page!!! Thank you!
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What a fantastic page!!! Thank you!
Comment from Miss Sherry
Kia Kaha to all of us who grieve at senseless violence. Why? These people were not zealots or soldiers - they were the same as any worshippers observing their traditions. Oh, God, will it never stop! Bless you, for this wonderful poem. It helps us know what happened and be on our guard. May their souls rest in peace.
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Kia Kaha to all of us who grieve at senseless violence. Why? These people were not zealots or soldiers - they were the same as any worshippers observing their traditions. Oh, God, will it never stop! Bless you, for this wonderful poem. It helps us know what happened and be on our guard. May their souls rest in peace.
Comment Written 15-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Thank you,Sherry, 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
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I am pleased with the outpouring of caring.
But when people are willing to stand with bats and tasers and firm resolve at the doors of mosques, then I will be satisfied that they care. The time of passive nonparticipation and flowers is over. We must be strong enough to stand up to gunmen - to lawmakers who will not take a stand on banning guns - and a president who feels his mere presence to say he is sorry is enough.
Thank you for sending me the article, I can tell you are a caring man.
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I am pleased with the outpouring of caring.
But when people are willing to stand with bats and tasers and firm resolve at the doors of mosques, then I will be satisfied that they care. The time of passive nonparticipation and flowers is over. We must be strong enough to stand up to gunmen - to lawmakers who will not take a stand on banning guns - and a president who feels his mere presence to say he is sorry is enough.
Thank you for sending me the article, I can tell you are a caring man.
Comment from RodG
Through your poem we hear the voices of those hurt and killed in these terrible attacks on mosques. The reader cries for them and also admires their strength to overcome. My condolences to all. A lovely tribute through poem and painting. Rod
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Through your poem we hear the voices of those hurt and killed in these terrible attacks on mosques. The reader cries for them and also admires their strength to overcome. My condolences to all. A lovely tribute through poem and painting. Rod
Comment Written 15-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Thanks, Rod. The following reply is my update, the day after the massacre.
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
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Thank you so much, Steve, for taking the time to write this update. We Americans, despite being foolish enough to elect Trump, are a compassionate people and the outburst of support yesterday all over the country was heart-warming. In Chicago where I live, the Moslem mosques asked for more police patrols but did NOT get them because the supt. felt they were unwarranted at this time. Do know my heart is with you all. Rod
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Thanks again. My response to the superintendent would have been, what harm can it do to provide at least a token show of support...
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
This is behaviour I could neve condone, and your poem sympathises with those innocent lives lost, a warm hearted presentation, best wishes, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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This is behaviour I could neve condone, and your poem sympathises with those innocent lives lost, a warm hearted presentation, best wishes, love Dolly x
Comment Written 15-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Thanks, Dolly.
The following lines I have cut and pasted from my update, a day after the massacre.
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 Alcreator Litt Dear
This condemns today's double terrorist cowardly attack took place in New Zealand, and speaks about condolences and encourages people to spread love and stay strong; well said, well done. Keep Writing Inspire Changing Write for Years! -- DR ALCREATOR
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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This condemns today's double terrorist cowardly attack took place in New Zealand, and speaks about condolences and encourages people to spread love and stay strong; well said, well done. Keep Writing Inspire Changing Write for Years! -- DR ALCREATOR
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 15-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Thank you.
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 LisaMay
Kia Ora Steve. It is indeed a grim day for peace-loving NZ and people of good will everywhere. I live in Dunedin and apparently it was our mosque here that the gunman thought he would target, but changed his mind to make his attack in Christchurch, so he could shoot more victims. It is just too horrible.
Your poem covers the waste of lives torn apart, and the hope that their "futile ideology" will wither in the face of our spirit and love. The strength of all good people's mutual condemnation of evil, and our support of the diversity within our community, will hopefully win the day.
You are a talented poet; your wife Anne is a talented digital artist. Well done.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Kia Ora Steve. It is indeed a grim day for peace-loving NZ and people of good will everywhere. I live in Dunedin and apparently it was our mosque here that the gunman thought he would target, but changed his mind to make his attack in Christchurch, so he could shoot more victims. It is just too horrible.
Your poem covers the waste of lives torn apart, and the hope that their "futile ideology" will wither in the face of our spirit and love. The strength of all good people's mutual condemnation of evil, and our support of the diversity within our community, will hopefully win the day.
You are a talented poet; your wife Anne is a talented digital artist. Well done.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 15-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Thanks, Lisa.
Still in shock, somewhat, but encouraged by the enormously supportive response from all around NZ. It gives hope that much good can come from this evil act.
Steve
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I think it will make Kiwis more resolute that we want to live in an inclusive society of brotherhood. If it was USA we'd all be rushing out to buy assault rifles... here we hug each other and band together.
