Michael Burch Poet Verse

Child of 9-11

a poem for Christina-Taylor Green, who
was	born on September 11, 2001 and who
died at age nine, shot to death ...

Child of 9-11, beloved,
I bring this lily, lay it down
here at your feet, and eiderdown,
and all soft things, for your gentle spirit.
I bring this psalm — I hope you hear it.

Much love I bring — I lay it down
here by your form, which is not you,
but what you left this shell-shocked world
to help us learn what we must do
to save another child like you.

Child of 9-11, I know
you are not here, but watch, afar
from distant stars, where angels rue
the evil things some mortals do.
I also watch; I also rue.

And so I make this pledge and vow:
though I may weep, I will not rest
nor will my pen fail heaven's test
till guns and wars and hate are banned
from every shore, from every land.

Child of 9-11, I grieve
your tender life, cut short ... bereaved,
what can I do, but pledge my life
to saving lives like yours? Belief
in your sweet worth has led me here ...

I give my all: my pen, this tear,
this lily and this eiderdown,
and all soft things my heart can bear;
I bring them to your final bier,
and leave them with my promise, here.

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Jenish Somadas November 13, 2019 at 1:33 AM ##though I may weep, I will not rest nor will my pen fail heaven's test till guns and wars and hate are banned from every shore, from every land.## A sad incident delicately depicted.. Michael Burch November 13, 2019 at 12:37 PM It was a very sad incident, one we need to do our best to avoid recurring. I think poetry can help by touching hearts and increasing awareness.