Our hearts cleaved that horrific day. <br />The early morning sun shined bright. <br />No clues were noticed-giveaways <br />that could forewarn the urbanites. <br /> <br />It began like any Tuesday. <br />A workday for most New Yorkers. <br />People bustling to the subways <br />on their way to their employers. <br /> <br />Still early, not all arrived where <br />their designated work stations <br />are situated. Poor souls! unaware <br />of their imminent destruction. <br /> <br />Suddenly, at eight forty two <br />A living bomb with mal-vigor <br />Intentionally, in plain view <br />Crashed through the north twin tower. <br /> <br />All screaming, jumping casualties, <br />Burning, smoking, funeral pyre. <br />When suddenly at nine O three <br />a second struck the south tower. <br /> <br />Both monoliths are now aflame. <br />Confusion reined both high and low. <br />Towering infernos became <br />A cataclysmic horrid show. <br /> <br />Meanwhile, firemen tried in vain <br />To rescue those inside the traps, <br />Doomed victims of the deadly planes. <br />My God! The south tower collapsed! <br /> <br />All the humanity within <br />The conflagration expired <br />In an instant: Men and women <br />Buried under concrete and fire. <br /> <br />Standing alone and mortally <br />Wounded, amidst ash and rubble <br />Like a saint at the stake, bravely <br />Awaits the inescapable. <br /> <br /> “Commit their bodies to the ground; <br /> Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, <br />Dust to dust.” An instant grave mound: <br />The north tower collapses. <br /> <br />Never! Will our lives be the same. <br />Witnessing the loss of our brethren: <br />Over twenty nine hundred claimed <br />That day: September eleven.<br /><br />Albert Ahearn<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/911-8/
