On September 11, 2001, I was getting ready to head out to my job as a corporate paralegal.
Suddenly horrific images began appearing on TV and, like everyone else who watched the events
of that day unfold, I was frozen in my tracks. A few days later, with the symbol of American
victory--the Star-Spangled Banner--in mind, I wrote the following poem. One of the attorneys
was going to New York, so he posted it on the makeshift memorial wall where thousands of
people had posted letters, poems, drawings, and other messages of support for the people of New York.
A tragic day that will be burned into our collective memory forever.
Suddenly horrific images began appearing on TV and, like everyone else who watched the events
of that day unfold, I was frozen in my tracks. A few days later, with the symbol of American
victory--the Star-Spangled Banner--in mind, I wrote the following poem. One of the attorneys
was going to New York, so he posted it on the makeshift memorial wall where thousands of
people had posted letters, poems, drawings, and other messages of support for the people of New York.
A tragic day that will be burned into our collective memory forever.
9/11
Oh, say can you see
Our heads bowed in deep grief
We've been seared by the rage
Of a murderous thief
By the dawn's early light
He broke into our home
Disappeared with our treasures
But could not steal our soul
What so proudly we hail
Are our heroes, newfound
Whose brave spirits shall rise
Through the hate that rained down
At the twilight's last gleaming
Our heads lifted once more
Enough light to see God
In the people next door
©2001 Stephanie Larkin. All rights reserved.