Not What We Expected

Peter Knauert

On Friday, December 7th, 2012 Peter Knauert chose to take his own life. Peter was incredibly gifted, deeply passionate, and a bright shining star among us. The finality of his death takes our breath away and leaves us stunned and bewildered. Peter felt the injustices of the world deep in his bones and hoped to become a writer. Peter’s Mom, Leigh, asked me if I would write a poem that reflected honestly on this beautiful tragedy. Here’s what I wrote and delivered at his memorial service.