Life gone in an instant
With blasts of hate from air
Caught within a moment
This deed done brings despair

Contemplate this evil
What good has this deed done
Left us filled with hatred
This battle never won

Torn with mass destruction
Deliberate hate designed
For only in one instant
Deep sorrow for mankind

Families filled with horror
Hearts are filled with tears
Within us saddest moment
What purpose brings us here

Let us join united
To say a silent prayer
For those who were the victims
Their voices we must hear

People joining hands now
Creating biggest chain
Bringing forth a miracle
Where evil brought such pain

Innocent are dead now
What power does this give
Lost within the horror
But yet we all must live

Fear cannot bring power
For deep inside hate looms
The power of the people
In silent prayer resumes

Hands that reached so bravely
To help those find a way
With hearts of grateful nation
We bow our heads and pray

For all those who are lost now
On this most dreaded day
We pray that God will give us
The strength to find a way.

~ Poetry © Francine Pucillo, used with permission ~

POETRY~EMOTION

We all have a story to tell about the way we remember September 11, but the one common thread we share is the deep sense of loss and tragedy all of us felt that day. In the unspeakable brutality of a moment that we will always remember, our nation and our world was changed forever. Together we grieved the innocent lives taken by senseless violence and hatred, and still, we honor those lives, holding them near our nation's heart, cherished beyond words. Through the horror of this day, we found strength by standing together to show that the spirit of our country can never be broken. We still honor the heroes whose sacrifices saved the lives of their fellow humans. How can we ever thank them enough? We gathered closer to those we held dearest. Friends, families, neighbors, we all united, lowered our heads and raised our flags, and took a moment to give thanks for the blessings of our own lives. That day, we were all Americans, regardless of outward barriers. We were one. The whole world on that day honored the USA - for a while, the voices of all people condemning violence and hatred and praying for peace drowned out that of those seeking only destruction and fear. It is my prayer that we always remember this day, honor the fallen, and work toward creating a world where violence and hate do not exist, a world where innocence is protected, diversity is celebrated, and we all take care of each other, showing compassion and realizing that what harms one of us ultimately harms all of us, and what helps one of us helps us all, for we are connected, and we are here to care for one another.