The new boyfriend brought the shotgun
left it in the hall
left it leaning against the wall
warned the kids to stay away
The natural arc of curiosity
led the four year old to it
led the arms to hold it
to lift it
to turn to the three year old
chattering behind
Like a pebble tossed into a pond
the gun dropped from those hands
plopped against the surface of the floor
splashed shot into the air
shredded the surface of life
of hope
tranquillity and faith
Chalk-faced
the mother sits
among the women and girls
is caressed by them
and their grief