The news here continues to be full of updates on the progress of the investigation into the Boston Marathon bombings. But alongside those reports are stories of the different efforts of people around the country attempting to get back to normal. Stories of running clubs dedicating their workouts to those injured at the race. Prayer services and vigils are offered “in defiance of terror.” From the clothing they wear, to the donations they give, small gestures give people everywhere the opportunity to heal.

For myself, I don’t particularly buy into the dialogue we often hear about “not letting the terrorists win.” Perhaps such statements motivate others, but to me, such words seem vengeful yet simultaneously empty. I’d rather take time to reflect, to grieve appropriately, to offer what I can.

Hamlet, Act IV, scene v.

I hadn’t ever given much thought to the symbolism behind flowers, but for some reason this week, the quote from Hamlet popped into my mind. Never mind that Ophelia was losing her mind when she spoke these words. The thought prompted me to pick up The Language of Flowers, a novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. The book was loaned to me by my mother, and I haven’t read it yet, but it has in the back a small dictionary of flowers and their meanings. After referring to it, I gathered a small bouquet from my garden, which I offer as my tribute to the far too many people in this world who suffer or die in violence.

• Bluebells: Constancy
• Carnations, red: My heart breaks
• Cypress: Mourning
• Dogwood: Love undiminished by adversity
• Fennel: Strength
• Magnolia: Dignity
• Rosemary: Remembrance
• Pansy: Think of me
• Yarrow: Cure for a broken heart

Peace be with each one of you.