by Dennis Augustine
Today we pause to remember the tragic events of October 7 — the lives lost, the hostages still held in captivity, and those whose fates remain unknown. Their suffering and courage must never be forgotten. Cecile and I recently watched "Bearing Witness to the Massacre" (A Prime Video), released on October 3. It should be seen by everyone who has the mental and emotional capacity to truly grasp the magnitude of what happened and the human toll it continues to take. Praying for peace, compassion, and a lasting ceasefire to bring an end to the pain on all sides.
Bearing Witness (A poetic offering)
A quiet dawn was shattered by cries, homes turned to ashes beneath the skies.
Families broken, hearts torn in two, where laughter once lived, sorrow now grew.
Names we know, and many we don’t, stories unfinished, voices that won’t
Return to the table, the garden, the song—a grief that is endless, a wound deep and long.
Hostages hidden in shadows of fear, each passing sunrise, another lost year.
Still we remember, still we pray, for mercy to guide the hearts gone astray.
If we bear witness, may it not be in vain, but light a path through the anguish and pain.
May peace find footing where hatred has crossed—and teach us to love, whatever the cost.
