Cochran writes poem to express grief for tragedy

FOREST CITY— Rutherford County native William Cochran has written a poem to help express the feelings that people across the country are experiencing because of the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT.

Cochran read his poem live on WAGY-AM on Thursday morning.

"I have been writing poetry for a long time. I have been thinking about this tragedy for days and God gave me these words," Cochran said. "Since I read it on the radio this morning, I have had people calling in and telling me how much they loved it. I have had five or six calls already." 

Cochran's goal is to find a way to send the poem to Newtown.

The following is the poem written by Cochran that is in a letter from to God sent from the people of America:

Dear God,

20 precious children are gone now,

And our hearts are heavy today;

Lord we know you have your reasons,

For taking them away.

  We know we shouldn't question you,

We know you have a plan;

But God we're only human,

And it's hard to understand.

  We know you gave them to us,

You have the right to take away;

We know that they're in heaven,

And we know that they're okay.

  I believe that every American is hurting deep inside,

Now we understand the pain you felt the day that your son died.

  I pray for all of America,

God keep us safe from sin;

So one day up in heaven,

We will see them all again.

  I pray for all the adults that died,

And for their families and their friends;

We know you love us Father,

Forgive us for our sins.

  The more I watch TV,

The more I hurt inside;

And believe this was a day,

That even Jesus cried.

  So Lord I guess I'll close for now,

There's so much I must do;

And I'm really feeling better,

Since I had this talk with you.

  Comfort us and help us Lord,

To be free from pain and stress;

And help us to remember Lord;

That the Bible says it best.

  If my people who are called by my name,

Will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways;

Then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins and heal their land.