To the Editor:

I sit at my favorite place for yearly reflection

as our town's 12/14 anniversary approaches,

behind a house of worship, welcoming

all faiths of believers and not,

a quiet and subdued space near enough

to memories of fear, pain and tears,.

far enough from daily distracting

sounds of cars and voices.

I trace the names one-by-one across the smooth monument

as our town's 12/14 anniversary approaches,

each name apart recalls, separately

those sharing their lives with loved ones,

a tranquil and hushed spot hidden enough

to those visiting repeatedly,

open enough for the passersby

wishing to recollect.  

Why then is another venue needed?

Sharon L. Cohen

8 Eden Hill Road, Newtown         November 29, 2015