Color-ado, a color of red
Red for the senseless blood that was shed
Red for the rage of a twisted mind
So lost
So dark
So cruel, unkind
Color this state in all shades of red
For the critically injured mom unaware her child is dead
For the young handsome lovers
So young
So brave
Shielding their women though seeing their grave
Color-ado, a mountainous red
Tears thick like blood, no words to be said
Hearts beat heavy as stones
Questions
Nightmares
Won’t leave survivors alone
Color Colorado red
Then stripe it white, wrap it blue
United in a blanket of grief
America stands with you
*This poem is in memory of the 12 people who lost their lives in a crowded movie theater in Aurora, Colorado on July 20, 2012. Here are their names: Jonathan T. Blunk, 26; Alexander J. Boik, 18; Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse E. Childress, 29; Gordon W. Cowden, 51; Jessica Ghawi, 24; Petty Officer 3rd Class John Thomas Larimer, 27; Matthew R. McQuinn, 27; Micayla C. Medek, 23; Veronica Moser-Sullivan, 6; Alex M. Sullivan, 27; Alexander C. Teves, 24; and Rebecca Ann Wingo, 32.
**Art by Lindsay Johnson, added on July 30, 2012.