Poems From "Somebody's Hero: Remembering 9-11-01"

copyright Publish America, 2003

AND I CRIED 

And the twin giants shuddered in agony
And they stumbled to their knees
And chaos had its fifteen minutes
Before unity took claim for every eye to see
And I cried
And they told me you were lost
And hope was lost with you
But I still believed in
A miracle or two
Still I cried
Hell and Ground Zero became as one
And they said that this was war
We would stand, we would fight
To defend our very shores
And I cried
And the hours turned into days
And the days stretched into weeks
And I kept a candle burning
For the faith I tried to seek
Then I cried
And the word came down not from a mountain but
From the eternal neon flame
That all were lost, that all were gone
And I whispered your name
And I cried
I thought of you and yours
Of your bravery and sacrifice
And my heart was broken once again
If it can be broken twice
And still I cried
And then I saw your face
And your eyes they lit the way
And I knew you weren't really gone
If you live in our hearts each day
And I closed my eyes and saw you
Standing true and proud
And you told me hope still lives
But sometimes finding it is hard
The tears were flowing freely
And I finally said good-bye
And I wished you peace and thanked you
And I wanted still to cry
Till I looked inside myself
And your voice was calm and mild
And I found you in my heart after all
And then, through my tears,
I smiled.

 

BRINGING YOU HOME 

We’re bringing you home

After all this time, after all this pain

Even those of us who only knew your name

We’re bringing you home

And I hope that you did not suffer

And that you knew so many cared

You and your brothers and sisters

Would bravely do what no one dared

We’re bringing you home

And I know I’ll never again see that smile

Or that gentle hand extended

A man of honor and such courage

Who was true to himself and never once pretended

We’re bringing you home

Hope, once so strong and clear, stood alone

And wavered and staggered against the wind

Unable to offer you shelter against those

Who would take you from us again and again

We’re bringing you home

To your family, strong and resolute

Even as they mourn

To all those whose lives you touched

A real life hero, an Angel, was born

We’re bringing you home

And none will forget your sweetness

The kindness on your face

As you lived your life in dignity,

With quiet strength and grace

We’re bringing you home

We’re bringing you home

With all the love we can offer

We’ll keep your spirit warm

And wrap our arms around you

And keep you safe till ‘morn

You gave your life for all of us

For our freedom, it should be known

For all that we would give to have you back

In the end, we can only bring you home