Photo by Stephen Schmitt for The Journal News * "Looking Out" ** Photo by Ritchard Eckert

'Tis anguish brought me to my knees and swiftly robbed me then of these:             my voice, my words, my dreams 'Tis anguish took me to the ground where consolation can't be found             and I was gagged it seems 'Tis anguish over-loaded me and my response, emotionally             was simply lost in tears 'Tis anguish left my soul bereft and in my heart 'twas nothing left             no hopes, no thoughts, no fears 'Tis anguish now that won't let go that wants to slow the ebb and flow             of daily normalcy 'Tis anguish grieves for each lost soul will not forget lives less than whole             nor find complacency 'Tis anguish knows that acts so bold come from the depths of hearts so cold             that love's been frozen out 'Tis anguish o'er my helplessness to turn the course from wickedness             and allay fears and doubt 'Tis anguish caused the lethargy that paralyzed ability             to think, to speak, to write 'Tis anguish now in deep despair doest recognize that only prayer             can change a heart, not might