One Day in September

Bridget Condon

Age 11

Tuesday the eleventh dawns like any other day

Sunlight breaks the grayness as we row upon the bay

Herons, gulls and egrets barely glance as we glide by

They’re creatures, at this hour, that rule the brightening sky

These mornings are a treasure, Dad and I agree

As I walk into my house,

My Dad welcomes me with unpleasant events

The peak of New York City has exploded into fire

Thick, black smoke is billowing from our economic spire

Do we work?  Do we stop?  Are they getting out?

Message light is blinking--where are you? Are you there?

Are your brothers in New York today?  Is your sister in the air?

Cell phones are not working—have you seen the awful news?

What on earth is happening?  Has anyone a clue?

Yes, the TV’s on, but I can’t absorb the scene

News uninterrupted, it’s bad and getting worse

Crash into the towers—the idea is so perverse

Ten thousand in each edifice had just begun their day

Now a pile of rubble—and all I can do is pray

Let there be survivors, please; God, we need you now

Jet slams into shining glass

The hundredth time today

Another angle, another shot

Let’s review that play

But this is not a game

Fires burning, twisted steel, it’s such a wrenching sight

Sweetheart, please come over, I can’t be alone tonight

Earlier this morning it was birds that ruled the sky

Now it’s raining jet fuel—why did they have to die?

All those lonely pillows in so many empty beds

Family and friends are safe, but I can’t catch my breath

Two degrees of separation keep me from knowing death

Search for justice underway

Portends a mourning dove

In the end, there’s love and fear

And fear is lack of love

Our caring may be our hope