Sheree Fitch reading Because We Love, We Cry by Katie Hartai

'Because We Love, We Cry,' is a poem that was born out of the heartbreak felt across Nova Scotia as the story of April's mass shooting unfolded.

Poet and children's book writer Sheree Fitch questioned how families could explain such horror to their children, and to themselves.

Fitch took to her notepad, saying the poem came to her in its entirety, which she adds is a rare occurrence.

"It didn't come from me, it came through me," she says. "It's one of those gifts that you are given."

The poem was shared widely on social media and was read aloud in Canadian Parliament. A video of Fitch reading the poem also aired as part of the Nova Scotia Remembers virtual vigil to remember the 22 victims.

Fitch said the poem belongs to everyone, and despite a number of requests, originally resisted the idea of making it into a book.

She was convinced by her publisher, who suggested it would not only help those troubled by the massacre, but anyone grieving without their loved ones because of COVID-19.

"To me, it's more like a prayer, no matter what you believe," she says. "To me that poem is as much a prayer as it is a verse."

Fitch has had experience putting words to sorrow.

Two and a half years ago she lost her son Dustin, and captured her own struggles to deal with his death in her book You Won't Always Be This Sad.

"I was a grandmother who had to explain to my grandchildren sometimes there is no sense to things my child," she says. "I think it came as much from my grandmother's heart."

Fitch says her hope for the book Because We Love, is to help create peace within the reader.

"If this goes into the world and brings people comfort, of course that comforts me," she says. "I am very grateful this gift of words is something I can give."

A portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated annually to the families of victims.