Some of you know I was born and raised in Roanoke,Va. So this hit home for me. My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by this senseless act. My dad wrote a very touching poem that I thought I'd share. All I ask is if you re-post this poem anywhere give my dad the credit he deserves for writing it. Please feel free to repost though.

The Thirty-two

None could have foreseen on that cold Virginia morn',

That, in an instant of time, tragedy would be born.

Each had their plans, the usual Monday routine;

Each with places to go and people to be seen.

Not one of them knew, and certainly none suspected

That dark plans existed, were already perfected.

Thirty-two young people, each looking ahead,

Enjoying college life without worry or dread.

What events conspired to bring each one to that place?

Was it Providential planning or simply random fate?

Would things have changed, been different in the end,

If even one of the Thirty-two tarried longer with a friend?

If even one had altered the normal Monday scheme,

Would events have been different? One can only dream.

We ask questions for which answers won't be found,

But that's part of our grieving, dealing with things profound.

We want to understand; to learn the reasons behind it all.

Could anything have been done, this tragedy to forestall?

A sense of injustice prevails, hits us squarely in the face;

As the tragedy of the Thirty-two remains a burning disgrace

Written by : Roger L Belton Sr.