Prayer From a Parent
It was almost impossible to recognize him at the
morgue.
He had been shot so many times
he looked like the rag toy our dog drags around..
I couldn’t believe another human being
could fire so many bullets in someone
who lay helpless on the ground.
Was it because he stuck out his tongue?
Or lunged at him the way the principal did?
My son was feisty and just—
yes, at six he was just,
“that’s not fair” his favorite quote.
Our house still rings with his voice.
He was trying out all ways of becoming—
from jet pilot to jockey.
I know there is no way to get over his death,
but just one thing I beg of you, Lord,
do not let him lie still, do something with him.
Please God, do something special with him.
Fan Ogilvie
December 2012
To remember the slain children at Sandy Hook Elementary School
Fan Ogilvie, the second Poet Laureate of West Tisbury, lists among her accomplishments a contest in poetry for high schoolers known as Promising Young Poets, a program in poetry and playwriting in the MV House of Correction, a continuing Summer Festival in Poetry featuring readings by national and local poets, and numerous readings at various venues around the Island.
