The Eleventh Day of September
The Eleventh Day of September
I had cherished the dream of walking up and down the endless lanes and avenues
Of a city celebrated for its illustrious and peaceful intensity and universal fame.
The images still vivid in the memories of my young mind trying to escape the blues
Of a dreary life and seeking adventure in a distant land renowned for its name.
The sun was rising on a quiet morning, until the blast thundered through the sky.
The first of twin towers was struck, and so were many hearts and many minds.
So awful was the sight and so dreadful was the sound of what happened so high
That the world stopped and wondered what came to humanity of so many kinds.
A fiery ball engulfed a fragment of an illustrious skyline, then sadly removed,
But sent countless to an early demise, leaving families and friends to grieve.
Time would reveal shady reasons for this tragedy but this calamity twice proved
That, until meaning is found, the heartbreak would offer no truthful reprieve.
The unfathomable insanity could not be understood, but only recognized in the pain.
The turmoil that ensued left many to mourn, cry and pray for a better tomorrow.
The suffering was much to bear but the fondest memories would not be kept in vain.
So far yet so close are the ones gone too soon, leaving behind a world of sorrow.
The visions of terror had the tolerant soul shudder with a vast sense of powerlessness
And feel compassion when the fire, the ruins and the smoke left a hole in the heart.
Though the early departure would design an endless path to confusion, hurt and sadness,
One could find comfort in the vision of kindred spirits no longer being so far apart.
One could decide that serenity may be a fine and required way to the vital peace inside
And live again when the world around seems to crumble to a never-ending folly.
Heed the exploits the City’s heroes accomplished and all the care they strove to provide
Without letting fear hinder their actions but gathering their courage so splendidly.
Years have passed but let us not forget that the love shared and spread lingers and lives on
In the hearts of those who hold sacred the memory of the fallen and let us remember.
The lives we lost then are still a part of us today and their souls to a better place have gone.
New York City became our home in the early hours of the eleventh day of September.
Copyright © Youcef Belhaoues | Year Posted 2021
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