The Disappeared Ones

for Jill Meagher

"We have everything to say,

and nothing."

I wrote this line 

at a time of great bewilderment,

when I saw a life taken too early

and sense would not make itself known.

It is a fool's errand 

to try to make sense of the senseless,

or imagine the unimaginable,

I know that,

just as I know that my meagre words 

are but smoke to the wind.

Yet while horror rests briefly on its haunches

I think of the disappeared ones/

the lovely, brave, tremendous souls

You dwell in our memories dream clad,

gilded by sunblur 

and tender melodies.

I think of a daughter I will some day have to tell,

"My darling one,

these streets may not be safe for you -

this world will try to scour the gold 

                                                      from your eyes 

and bury bullets in your grace.

But believe me,

beauty lives here also, and compassion, 

                                                                            and goodness -

May we tip the scales in their favour."

I think of a grieving city

where the sum of our disparate parts

equals a beating heart

that declares 

"If evil exists then so does 

                                                                    the opposite."

I think of a family.

A family.

And I think of you,

beautiful stranger.

Sleep well now,

we will remember you.