In memory - September 11, 2001

To The Daily Sun,

They went to work that day, so innocent and free.

Taking for granted our unique liberty.

Men and women, those unborn,

leaving behind families and friends to mourn.

None remotely suspecting their fate,

but hours away, till it was too late.

Meanwhile travelers on planes numbering four,

calmly got on board, thinking of the day ahead,

not realizing in minutes they'd all be dead.

As reports said, with knives and box cutters

the hijackers cruelly injured and killed

surprised passengers, by men strong-willed.

For no apparent reason it seemed at that time.

But American blood was spilled, and people died.

Why, such a senseless crime?

Then with cruel irony the terrorists 'allowed',

doomed passengers a final good-bye call.

Their words told, loved ones later shared,

they knew their fate was near.

Recorded messages, left frozen in time,

calmly telling of lasting love.

What else was on their minds?

Then, like those aboard, the phone lines went still.

We know what happened next, they never will.

As the planes hit their targets, thousands innocently died.

Now, upon reflection, hearts heavy with grief,

We're no closer to feeling real relief.

Not only were so many untimely taken,

but fleetingly our freedom also was shaken.

Unlike the WTC which crumbled and fell,

our faith is strong, our vision clear, we know what we must do.

So fly those flags, sing patriotic songs.

Let not so many have died in vain;

God bless America, despite our searing pain.

Diane Lewis

Laconia