Screams from deep in the night
Sensing life flowing out of sight
Two twisted bodies, blood covered their head
Parents were told “your kids are dead”

My God how could this be?
Smiles of youth never more to see
Why couldn’t this be me instead?
A terrible dream, they can’t be dead

We kissed them just before they drove away
“I love you Mom and Dad,” they always say
A spring night drive to town before bed
Our family is gone our babies are dead

I heard each one while sharing their pain
Tears flowing free, falling as rain
My heart heavy, my body weak
Being strong, stray tear stained my cheek

Many times had I carried tragic news
Death of loved ones I well knew
This was hardest on my pierced heart
Words uneasy, I choked and couldn’t start

My two daughters had been invited for that ride
Surely had they gone, they too would’ve died
Clashing emotions trying in vain
Battling tears of joy, tears of pain

I feel guilt for the joy I have been graced
Trusting my future could have been erased
God’s precious love heals our worst wounds in life
Especially those cut deep by deaths sharp knife

Heavens door opened wide as they gave up their ghost
Celestial choirs of heaven sing hosanna to their host
His kingdom received two angels this night
My joy and pain forged with love and might.

Jerry Robards