"Distant Witness" (a 9/11 tribute)

[KELLYGIRL]

I don't live close; I did not hear the thunder or the crash.
I didn't hear the cries for help or see the metal thrash.

I didn't witness buildings fall. This was on TV.
I didn't run from plumes of smoke. I know that wasn't me.

I didn't arrive with photo in hand looking for my wife.
I didn't tell my only son his dad has lost his life.

I didn't send my oldest child into a burning tower.
To try and save whomever he could and die within an hour

I cannot say that I was hurt while saving someone's life.
I cannot say I've ever lost a daughter, son or wife.

I do not daily pass this site where bodies still decay.
While people who must get to work must pass it everyday.

I am not brave; I do not grieve for loss beyond compare.
I know I am not a party to the death and the despair.

In some small way I'd like to say I hold you in my heart.
Although this won't amount too much I hope it is a start.

There was a part inside of me that died upon that day.
I cannot look at life the same or trust in the same way.

I look to God to give me strength, my trust is in his grace.
And deep inside within my soul, I find a peaceful place.

 

[wonderwench]

This is incredibly touching. Well done!

 

[Annie]

Kelly, Welcome! Really! Welcome!


9/11 touched us all, from NY to CA; From MN to NM. We are one.

 

[jimnyc]

Very touching poem. I've actually read this quite a few times before. In this instance though, this Kelly doesn't need to quote a source, as she is the author.

Kelly, I've read a few of your other poems. Would you mind if I linked to a few? Or you are free to share with us whatever you like.

As the admin of this board I can verify that Kelly's registration proves she is the writer.

You did write this one too, didn't you?

FAITH

Behind walls of guilt and darkness.
Here lie the lonely souls who weep for light.

Aware of their torment yet unable to find the key to sanctuary.
The are kept in painful silence.
They search in vain outside themselves

Only the filter of faith can release these captives.
Come out of the darkness.
Feel the cool breeze of inner peace.
Let it sweep you up in a glistening blue mist.

Expose your ulcerated wounds.
Let faith cleanse and heal them with comfort, removing the sting.
Transforming you into eternal light.

 

[KELLYGIRL]

Boy that's an oldy but a goody.......sure, link to your hearts content.

Thanks,
Kelly Ann Malone

 

[Annie]

I'm impressed. Thanks Kelly.

 

[jimnyc]

http://www.hawkwindcreations.com/POEMS-KELLY ANN MALONE.htm
http://www.catholicmom.com/kell.htm

Here's a couple. I like the few I read on the Catholic website.

 

[Moi]

That was very touching...I don't think I could ever write about that day. But reading all the thoughts of others does help get you through so thanks for posting it!

 

[Annie]

I agree Moi:

That was very touching...I don't think I could ever write about that day. But reading all the thoughts of others does help get you through so thanks for posting it!

I've only been able to write about what happened that day with my students and me. It was very troubling and uplifting at the same time. I recognized that I'd prepared them very well, but not myself. I guess the difference between 14 and 40 something.

 

[echoecho]

Originally posted by KELLYGIRL
I don't live close; I did not hear the thunder or the crash.
I didn't hear the cries for help or see the metal thrash.

I didn't witness buildings fall. This was on TV.
I didn't run from plumes of smoke. I know that wasn't me.

I didn't arrive with photo in hand looking for my wife.
I didn't tell my only son his dad has lost his life.

I didn't send my oldest child into a burning tower.
To try and save whomever he could and die within an hour

I cannot say that I was hurt while saving someone's life.
I cannot say I've ever lost a daughter, son or wife.

I do not daily pass this site where bodies still decay.
While people who must get to work must pass it everyday.

I am not brave; I do not grieve for loss beyond compare.
I know I am not a party to the death and the despair.

In some small way I'd like to say I hold you in my heart.
Although this won't amount too much I hope it is a start.

There was a part inside of me that died upon that day.
I cannot look at life the same or trust in the same way.

I look to God to give me strength, my trust is in his grace.
And deep inside within my soul, I find a peaceful place.

Kelly, besides the beauty and poignancy of your poem, what touches me is that you clearly carry 9/11 with you. Through this piece you take us with you to revisit the emotions of that day and help us tuck it in our hearts as well -- and never forget.

A tribute indeed. Thanks.

 

[Annie]

I am ashamed of anyone who doesn't remember that day. The idea of thinking that if we just, 'did this' or 'didn't do that' would somehow make us safer is a joke. No amount of appeasement will work. No amount of multi-lateral condemnations will work.

Whether or not fighting back will work, time will tell. But I feel much better this way.