Click 9/11 by Bruce Dodson |
Reality
in Darkness
What started across the sea now struck home
at the heart, mind, and soul of America.
A beautiful day under clear, sunny skies
unfolded a threat of terror's reality in darkness.
Upon a splendid city
Raining hatred and terror
Without regard or pity
Nearly
three thousand perished
More wounded or missing
Leaving behind a legacy
Well worth reminiscing
More wounded or missing
Leaving behind a legacy
Well worth reminiscing
There
were those who survived
Needing the greatest of care
To understand, carry on
Through hope and endless prayer
Needing the greatest of care
To understand, carry on
Through hope and endless prayer
Let us
not ever forget
America’s families and friends
Going about daily lives
Unsuspecting of terrorist ends
That dismal, dark day in history
Brought about a stark reality
America is vulnerable
Amidst gracious hospitality
America’s families and friends
Going about daily lives
Unsuspecting of terrorist ends
That dismal, dark day in history
Brought about a stark reality
America is vulnerable
Amidst gracious hospitality
Connecting the past to the present…
“The
attacks of September 11 were intended to break our spirit.
Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified…
We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.”
Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified…
We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.”
—Mayor
Rudolph “Rudy” Giuliani, New York City (in office 1994–2001)
©2012 Awakenings Sharla Lee Shults |
Oh, could say a few things about this one...it's been in print at least 15 times that I'm aware of, and probably far more...and was used in more 9/11 ceremonies this past tenth anniversary than I will ever know...the stuff with the school kids, scout troupes and the like is always touching...made a list actually of some places it appeared... Click HERE!
Yeah, this one got pretty big...and it's only the first year...
Yeah, this one got pretty big...and it's only the first year...
We Shall Never Forget...
Let the world always remember,
That fateful day in September,
And the ones who answered duty's call,
Should be remembered by us all.
Who left the comfort of their home,
To face perils as yet unknown,
An embodiment of goodness on a day,
When men's hearts had gone astray.
Sons and daughters like me and you,
Who never questioned what they had to do,
Who by example, were a source of hope,
And strength to others who could not cope.
Heroes that would not turn their back,
With determination that would not crack,
Who bound together in their ranks,
And asking not a word of thanks.
Men who bravely gave their lives,
Whose orphaned kids and widowed wives,
Can proudly look back on their dad,
Who gave this country all they had.
Actions taken without regret,
Heroisms we shall never forget,
The ones who paid the ultimate price,
Let's never forget their sacrifice.
And never forget the ones no longer here,
Who fought for the freedoms we all hold dear,
And may their memory never wane,
Lest their sacrifices be in vain.
That fateful day in September,
And the ones who answered duty's call,
Should be remembered by us all.
Who left the comfort of their home,
To face perils as yet unknown,
An embodiment of goodness on a day,
When men's hearts had gone astray.
Sons and daughters like me and you,
Who never questioned what they had to do,
Who by example, were a source of hope,
And strength to others who could not cope.
Heroes that would not turn their back,
With determination that would not crack,
Who bound together in their ranks,
And asking not a word of thanks.
Men who bravely gave their lives,
Whose orphaned kids and widowed wives,
Can proudly look back on their dad,
Who gave this country all they had.
Actions taken without regret,
Heroisms we shall never forget,
The ones who paid the ultimate price,
Let's never forget their sacrifice.
And never forget the ones no longer here,
Who fought for the freedoms we all hold dear,
And may their memory never wane,
Lest their sacrifices be in vain.
©2010
Alan W. Jankowski
Alan W. Jankowski
Where were you when terror struck
at the heart of our nation?
at the heart of our nation?
Getting dressed for another day of teaching high school.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I was in POW type camp in Iran being held as a prisoner in case the USA retaliated against the Middle East. I was there for six weeks and tortured and starved. My book tells all about it www.loris-song.com God Bless everyone who went through it or lost loved ones.
ReplyDeleteLori, I sit here and ponder over the keyboard not knowing exactly what to say having not experienced myself anything of the nature which you endured. What a blessing that you survived and lived to tell your story. My heart goes out to you!
DeleteI was at the vet's with two of our dogs.
ReplyDeleteI was driving up the Garden State Parkway heading north, I didn't see the planes hit, but I could see the smoke and dust rising from the towers out my windshield...and thanks for using my poem Sharla...very touching...
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Alan.
I lived across the water from it and gathered the whole family together at one house. Then we watched the TV and prayed that my son-in-law, in the secon tower as a search and rescue team, got out before the building imploded. He did but so many in his unti did not--plus so many we knew and so many more who had a near miss , including my grandson who would have normally been there working that day, but stayed hom. Read my fictional story about this--what might have happened on scoop.it, facebook and my blog.
ReplyDeletewww.mallie1025.blogspot.com/
Getting ready to leave for a regular day at El Camino Middle School... We all held hands in the school yard, had a moment of since and prayer and sang, 'Let There Be Peace on Earth... and let it begin with ME.'
ReplyDeleteGreat post Sharla! Take care.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic post Sharla. So important to remember.
ReplyDelete