Life Is Full of Sweet Spots

for all Route 91 Harvest Festival victims

 

they were holding hands

they were dancing

they were singing

 

when the shots rang out

 

Get down!

 

Oh, God!

 

it happened so fast

all within seconds

 

I can’t feel my legs

I never left her side

 

I love you, Laurie.

I love you, Jack.

I will see you in heaven

 

the most amazing wife,

mother and person

this world has ever had

 

decided to stay for the final show

 

one who gives, gives, gives

made sure the time spent here

was valuable

 

out there with his friends,

shot down like a dog

 

amazing times together

and nearly unbearable heartaches

soulmates

 

would have been her first day as manager

at this point, I can barely breathe

 

not a bad bone in her body

leaving a very big hole for us,

and in many hearts

 

Somewhere in the crowd

when the shooting started

he covered her body with his,

she died in his arms

 

she was a beautiful soul

 

even as gunfire was still raining down

it would be hours before they learned

he hadn’t survived

 

gunfire seemed never-ending

saw the life go out of him

 

one moment he was holding her

and they were singing along

 

then the shots began

heard sounds she couldn’t identify

 

moved her to a hiding place beneath a table

carried to a vehicle in a wheelbarrow

 

my son, my son is still there

 

can still hear the gunshots,

the sound they make when they hit people

 

he died Tuesday in a hospital

 

sadness, shock and grief

 

it was supposed to be the happiest time

 

at this time,

my family and I

would like some privacy

to take the necessary steps

to grieve

 

it’s with heavy heart and deep sorrow. . .

 

please pray for our family!

 

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Peonies — Photo and poem, Pieces of Las Vegas, by Mary O’Connor © 2017