No words can truly describe the effect learning of the deaths of eight children has on the body.
Cairns MP Gavin King acknowledged as much after learning one of the most terrible crimes in Queensland's history had just taken place in his electorate.
"I am struggling to summon the words to express the shock and horror of the tragedy that has occurred in Manoora," he said.
But Cairns Regional Councillor Robert Pyne may have come closer when he told Sky News people felt "crook in the guts".
The phrase conjured up the unique mix of shock, disbelief and horror that created the simultaneous sense of being both heavily winded and needing to throw up.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott expressed similar sentiments, saying the "heart-breaking" event would leave parents feeling a "gut-wrenching sadness".
On the ground, neighbours and community members gathered as close to the home in Murray Street, Manoora, as they could, some dazed in the summer heat, all anxious to learn more.
One woman's heart-rending wail on being told the eight children from the one family were gone echoed along Murray Street; her strength left her and she fell to her knees.
Most knew words ran a distant second to tears and close embraces.
Mayor of the Torres Strait Islander Regional Council Fred Gela told a Sky News reporter he was related to the family, and his entire community was "shell-shocked".
On social media the hashtag #CairnsStabbing gave way to #Cairns8, to remember the children themselves, not the alleged manner of their deaths.
"What is going on in Australia?" or "What is going on in the world?" were common frustrations, with tweeters begging their feeds for answers that may never come.
Mr Abbott's description of the multiple homicide as an "unspeakable crime" was echoed by Opposition leader Bill Shorten, who said "There is no greater evil than the killing of children."
The pair also referred to the timing, just days after the Sydney cafe siege that left Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson dead.
"This is just the saddest tragedy at the end of one of the toughest weeks for our nation," Mr Shorten said.
"These are trying days for our country," Mr Abbott said.
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman made special mention of the police and other first responders who will forever bear the weight of discovering the distressing crime scene.
"I have asked the Acting Ministers to make sure those individuals are receiving the support they need," he said.
"I ask that all Queenslanders reach out to those who may need support in coming days and do not hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed."
