Another Day, Another Tragedy

At Black River
by Mary Oliver ©

All day
its dark, slick bronze soaks
in a mossy place,
its teeth, a multitude
set
for the comedy
that never comes--

its tail
knobbed and shiny,
and with a heavyweight's punch
packed around the bone.

In beautuiful Florida
he is king
of his own part
of the black river,

and from his nap
he will wake
into the warm darkness
to boom, and thrust forward,

paralyzing
the swift, thin-waisted fish,
or the bird
in its frilled, white gown,

that has dipped down
from the heaven of leaves
one last time,
to drink.

Don't think
I'm not afraid.
There is such an unleashing
of horror.

Then I remember:
death comes before
the rolling away
of the stone.

Prayers after NYC

(Prayers from the Church of England)

Compassionate God and Father of all,
we are horrified at violence
in so many parts of the world (in NYC).
It seems that none are safe, and some are terrified.

Hold back the hands that kill and maim;
turn around the hearts that hate.
Grant instead your strong Spirit of Peace -
peace that passes our understanding
but changes lives,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

God of Hope,
we come to you in shock and grief and confusion of heart.
Help us to find peace in the knowledge
of your loving mercy to all your children,
and give us light to guide us out of our darkness
into the assurance of your love,
In Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Merciful God,
hear the cries of our grief,
for you know the anguish of our hearts.
It is beyond our understanding
and more than we can bear.

We pray that justice may be done
and that we may treasure the memory of their lives
more than the manner of their death.
For Christ's sake. Amen.

© Archbishops' Council 2015