Saturday, September 6, 2008

Untimely Departure




How could we fathom such a day
when candy skies turned brittle black?
When paper dreams were blown away
and our towers fell amidst attack.

Untimely death disguised in holy shroud
misguided here by Allah’s will.
Twisted martyrs pray out loud
and seek promotion for those they kill.

Seven years can’t heal the wounds,
broken strangers plague our dreams.
Our hearts cry out to those in tombs
beneath the twisted buckled beams.

A final breath drawn alone
thoughts of family, fleeting last.
An empty grave beneath the stone;
a burning torch will never pass

Innocent child not yet grown
“When is daddy coming back?”
Endless questions spawn our own
it’s only answers that we lack.

Not only victims cast that day
but heroes rose above the flames.
Ask those stumbling in ashen gray
how they perceive Bin Ladin’s games.

Time has softened my perception
lingering anger slowly dies.
In a Pennsylvania field’s conception
tears and pride cleanse my eyes.
No more profound proclamation
shall I ever find;
those defiant words “Lets Roll!”
forever echo in my mind.

7 comments:

Jo Janoski said...

Amen to that!

Jo A. T.B. said...

"but heroes rose above the flames"
love that line!

Of course you know I like the ending, Let's Roll," will live forever!

I second that Amen!

Word Catalyst Magazine said...

This is beautiful, Dan.

paisley said...

did you watch all the coverage on a&e lately?? i did.. and last night was the movie of flight 93.. "lets roll" ... i waited the entire film to hear those words...

Anonymous said...

Thnaks for visiting my site Dan. I came here today not knowing the 1st poem would be about 9/11. You have written a powerful piece.
"Time has softened my perception"
"Lingering anger slowly dies"
I can't forgive those responsible for this heinous act. With all that is going on around the world, Africa ..ect. I think writing, as you've done may be our only counter measure as global citizens.

Keep writing, I have you book marked and will continue to visit.

Emilio

Dan said...

Sorry I have been remiss in responding lately. Thanks to both Jo's...I'll have to come up with a better way to distinguish.

Shirley, your positive comments are always appreciated.

Jodi..I didn't get to see the movie this year, but have watched it in the past. It's not only those words, but the scene is very intense. I always imagine myself in that situation, asking myself if I would have done the same??

Punatic, thanks for dropping by. I do struggle with understanding such motivations.

J. S. Clawson said...

Everyone is this country was changed that day, whether they accept it or not. You did our heroes a great honor with your poem and I commnend you for it. Thank you very much for sharing it.