Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Never Forget - 9/11/01


Six years. Six years ago life as we know it as Americans changed. Life as we know it as a country was never to be quite the same again. As our parents and grandparents used to tell us that they remember exactly what they were doing on the day JFK was shot, we all will never forget where we were the moment we heard about the first plane, then the second...then the rest.

I wrote the following poem on September 26, 2001. The country would change so much more between then and now. I had decided earlier this weekend that I would locate this poem, and post it as my tribute to all those fallen on that day. When I dug it out last night, I had to take a moment to realize that the sense of hope and pride I felt when it was written was due to the incredible sense of community that arose in the weeks that followed the attacks. I had to remind myself that back then, after the most horrific terrorist acts we had ever faced as a nation, we were actually less jaded then we are now. A lot has happened to make us so jaded, but I'd like to believe a bit of that hope for the future still remains.

Tuesday Morning

When I awoke
the sun was shining
I could smell the ocean breeze
the birds singing
the world was grand
I started my day with ease

Then the phone rang
"turn on the tv
You won't believe your eyes"
And then I saw it
the second impact
terror coming from he skies

"What's going on?"
I asked dumbfounded
"Is the world falling apart?"
As time progressed
I learned much more
The knowledge broke my heart

"Oh my God
There it goes"
Someone said to the crowd
And as it fell
our hopes crumbled
the country sighed out loud

How could this be?
Here , in America?
We're not supposed to cry
On a Tuesday morning
for no good reason?
People aren't supposed to die

But things have changed
The world is different
We'll never again be the same
But how we stand proud
The United States
Much more than just a name

My heart still broken
My eyes, still moist
I still can't make much sense
But I've seen the focus
such prayer, such unity
The world's love so intense
They shook foundations
They collapsed buildings
They took human lives that day
But we won't be rattled
Won't be destroyed
God Bless the USA

Copyright 2007 - Karina

10 comments:

qualcosa di bello said...

i am so glad you posted that...it is beautiful & fitting after 6 years.

Unknown said...

I think you spoke for all of us in what you had to say.

Love your poem, sad we had to go through it.

Anonymous said...

we will never forget !!!

Wicked H said...

Still brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for this.....

The Rock Chick said...

Oh, I'm am SO glad you shared this with us! I think about 9/11 all the time. I don't need an anniversary to remind me.

Your poem was beautiful--I really like it!!!!! Thanks again for sharing it!

Jessica

Kathleen said...

That's a beautiful poem! I've added a link to this post from mine today.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful poem. Such sadness for the past 6 years and I imagine many more to come.

Rebecca said...

That's a very nice tribute - you certainly have a way with words :P

MommaBoo said...

What a touching, wonderful post. Your words brought tears to my eyes.

An amazing tribute. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

very heartfelt poem...

I wish I could forget 9/11...