Undeserved by Di Coffey

Across the world the pain, the shock is lessening.

We’ve floodlit our iconic buildings in tricolour,

we’ve gathered in our famous squares to show solidarity

but tomorrow we’ll resume normal service,

go to work, help in the charity shop, look after children.

..

But in Paris, people are still looking for loved ones

who’ve not answered phones since the shooting began.

There’s blood on pavements, anguish in hearts

and for some children, Mum or Dad will never return,

and elderly parents mourn the child who has died before them.

..

And all this on a Friday night

when Paris looked forward to the weekend;

a break from working lives,

a rock concert, a meal out with friends.

No-one guessed it would end like this.