Tribute To The Victims of Violence in Chester

Sunday, May 11, 2014

“If I Had Known” by John Alston: Musical Tribute to Victims of Violence in Chester

Taylor and McMillan Families at the concert

(The Words)

I remember the last time you walked out the door.

If I had known that was our last time, I would have said so much more.

I asked if you were hungry. You said you already ate.

As you ran out the door, I asked if you’d be late.

If I had known that was our very last moment,

I would have said so much more,

I would have wrapped my arms around you, and told you, “I love you.”

Underneath the streetlight, I’ve put your favorite Teddy bear,

And a little bird, and your giraffe, so people stop and stare.

So they know that you are gone. So they know how much I miss you.

How I wish that you were here right now,

So I could touch your face and kiss you.

If I had known that was our very last moment,

I would have said so much more,

I would have held your hand and stroked your hair, and told you, “I love you.”

I wish I’d told you that you’re wonderful;

Told you that you’re beautiful;

Told you that I’m proud of you;

Told you that I live for you.

I wish I told you that I pray for you.

Now, I can never ever say to you,

how very much you mean to me.

Now our lives will never be the lives they should have been,

because you’re gone.

Your Teddy bear can’t sit up straight. He’s soaked with all the rain.

I cry myself to sleep each night, because of all the pain.

When I see your empty room, it’s hard for me to breathe.

You’re at peace, now, Darling. That’s what I need to believe.

If I had known that was our very last moment.

I would have asked you to stay. I would have held you close and prayed.

I would have begged God for one more day,

And told you, “I love you…I love you…I love you.”

Written in tribute for the 2013 lives lost to violence in Chester

Edward Taylor, age 27, January 14, 2013

Korey Williams, age 22, February 10, 2013

Demetrius Jones, age 21, April 17, 2013

Robert Morris, age 40, April 27, 2013

Darren Burton, age 17, April 27, 2013

Tamir Ricks, age 31, May 1, 2013

Karone York, age 20, June 11, 2013

Joleen Smith, age 52, June 27, 2013

Waleef Kane, age 22, June 28, 2013

Trinace McMillan, age 35, July 6, 2013

Jasmarr Anderson, age 20, July 20, 2013

Donald Payne, age 25, August 1, 2013

David Colon Jr., age 22, August 19, 2013

Frank Perkins, age 18, August 19, 2013

Basilio Clausell Jr., age 20, August 20, 2013

Jason McClay, age 40, September 19, 2013

Marcus Banks, age 33, September 26, 2013

Ali Salaam, age 23, October 3, 2013

Jamel McMillan, age 22, October 18, 2013

Michael Grant, age 33, November 22, 2013

Shawn Walls, age 37, December 2, 2013

Anthony Townsend, age 44, December 29, 2013

For the beautiful children of Chester…and the 22 from John Alston

Watch the Video HERE