I wrote this poem after the massacre in Uvalde, Texas. Though it was hard to find the words to write poetry about horrific, unintelligible tragedy, I was moved after a few thoughts I posted here turned into $1 million successfully raised for @everytown for Gun Safety in just 3 days. The one thing I know how to do when times are dark is to write. And that’s what I’ll keep doing, even when told poetry can never make a difference against a gun. As Audre Lorde said, “poetry is not a luxury. It is a vital necessity of our existence. It forms the quality of the light within which we predicate our hopes and dreams toward survival and change, first made into language, then into idea, then into more tangible action.” If this poem speaks to you, speak back—act. A good place to start is following @everytown & texting BOLD to 644-33. To everyone who has already shared and donated, thank you, thank you, thank you. I see you. I love you. I cherish you💛💛💛 @nytopinion