Carrying the Weight-For Sandy Hook

The tonnage of this load
exceeds all legal limits;
the bridge cannot be crossed.
Its crushing weight
of granite grief
will split the spans and
send you spiraling down.

Unless (and
I am no engineer)
the load is
properly distributed
on this barren,
buckling asphalt,
heaving under
the pressures
of your shattered,
tear-stained hearts.

We will bear it
with you, even it out                                                                                                            on our shoulders,
containers in motion
transporting anguish
across state lines. Carry this
cargo of pain that’s sent you
careening across an endless 
four lane stretch, nearly out of fuel
bereft of even water, heading                                                                                    towards empty.

This load will not crush you                                                                                              but will be borne over                                                                                                   the coming days. And we will                                                                                         wait on the other side
heads atilt, marking your
arrival as you cross,
waving a sign Rest Stop Ahead.

And we will help you rest.