Every year the week leading up to 9/11 I begin losing sleep. I relive those moments over and over again and shed new tears. My chest constricts with pain and sorrow that never seems to go away. I will never forget.
I wrote a poem just days after and want to share it with those who wish to read. Every year I take it out to read it, if only to remember something that should never be forgotten.
The Vow
Plumes of smoke and balls of fire dispersing themselves through the air.
Sheets of concrete, arms of molten metal falling haphazardly to the ground.
Sirens blaring, lights flashing, victims running for their lives.
Heroes plunging head long into their graves - no thought to self-preservation.....
Just a desperate need to save those helpless and trapped.
I watched, sobbed, and felt my heart explode with pain and horror.
Captivated and terrified, I hugged my children.
My need to love and be loved - see and be seen was infinite.
Time ended - hours turned to days - nights to mornings.
Still - our eyes watched the horror over and over again.
Threats of more attacks -
An enemy pervading the search-
"All Americans are targets."
Words of pure hatred exposed to our ears from an untouchable enemy.
I watched, listened, felt my heart turn black with anger and unspeakable acts of revenge.
Maddened and furious, I vowed to protect my children at all costs.
The need to strike back and possibly be stricken - to crush and possibly be crushed was infinite.
Flags waving in the wind, ribbons strapped to cars.
Red, white, and blue piercing the darkness - calling for unity, hope, freedom, and prosperity.
Money, food, clothing - filling charities everywhere.
Looking into a fellow Americans eyes and focusing - finding understanding, compassion looking back.
Brotherhood, unity - a common grief, goal, and hope aspiring.
Prayers being uttered in every corner of the nation - every country in the world.
Old Glory is back
Standing tall - waving menacingly to those who dare challenge it.
It shows itself in every flag, every ribbon, every prayer sent to Heaven.
I watch, I listen, I sob .....
I feel my heart grow angry ........
Saddened and renewed in all of this -
Maddened then furious, captivated and terrified, hopeful and reborn,
I hug my children and vow ..........
To love and be loved, see and be seen, strike back and possibly be stricken, crush and possibly be crushed, hope and give hope - for my freedom and theirs.
Author
CCB 9-26-01
As we are remembering 9/11 let us not forget the tradgedy felt in Russia only a week ago. We share a common grief now and my prayers go out for them and their loved ones as well as those lost during 9/11 and their families.
