I wrote this poem on September 11, 2001 as I contemplated the loss. Please feel free to leave your comments and memories regarding this day.
I was working as a smoking cessation counselor when the Director of Nursing came into our office to announce the first plane crash...we were stunned. How could a plane have "wandered" into a building like that? When the second plane crashed,we all thought the same thing. An act of war.
All I could so was pray...to pray for those lost this day and their families. I hugged to God's promise..."All things work together for good."
THE STEEL HAS BROKEN
I wrote this poem on September 11, 2001 as I contemplated the loss. Please feel free to leave your comments and memories regarding this day.
I was working as a smoking cessation counselor when the Director of Nursing came into our office to announce the first plane crash...we were stunned. How could a plane have "wandered" into a building like that? When the second plane crashed,we all thought the same thing. An act of war.
All I could so was pray...to pray for those lost this day and their families. I hugged to God's promise..."All things work together for good."
Babel has fallen
A rumble heard around the world
Steeled arrogance fades to reverence
I weep a thousand tears and yet
Too few to mourn the countless lost
A world shaken turns to God
In search of answers unknowable
Dormant devotion awakened
Atoning for the past
An ember ignites to bring new light
The morrow brings courage
Resilient light dispels the dark
Justice will prevail
A poem by Linda Rondeau
Written 09/11/01
10 comments:
I was sitting in my office when a co-worker brought in a picture she'd printed from the Internet of the first plane crashing into the first tower. She said "the first tower has fallen.". I didn't know what she was talking about. She couldn't believe I didn't know. I turned on a radio an listened as the events unfolded. Time stood still. Phone lines were jammed. As another plane hit the second tower and then one crashed in PA, I wondered how many more planes would fall? When would it end? Were we at war? I will never forget those lost: the brave firefighters, the police, the praying priest. So many brave ones died for their fellow man. No greater love... I remember the courage and love of fellow Americans. Love conquers evil on the end. Always.
That's beautiful, Linda. I wrote a song last year as a tribute as well as a wake up call. Here are the highlights:
"Seems like only yesterday we were strolling hand in hand, not a care in the world, not a worry in the land. There were battles being fought across the sea - not ours to say, until they brought it home to us that grave September day....
Many years have passed and still there's fighting and unrest. Our boys have become men who stand to honor and protect...
I know it's just not meant to be, this world will not find peace. The Bible tells the story of the horrors that will be...
The greatest battles yet to come between the evil and the good where God will show His wrath against the evil, God is good. And where will you be standing then, it's time to choose a side. God doesn't suffer fools, my friend, it's time, you must decide...
The Lord Will Arise
Isaiah 28
in ¾ time
In that day, the people of the Lord shall wear
A crown of glory fashioned for his remnant fair
In that day, the presence of the Lord shall be
A fragrant wreath of beauty and of victory—
The Lord will arise, and rouse himself to do his work,
His strange and mighty awesome work.
He will be the justice in their perfect laws,
In him the judges make their rulings without flaws.
When the battle comes before his people’s gate,
The Lord himself is strength to turn back evil’s hate.
The Lord will arise, and rouse himself to do his work,
His strange and mighty awesome work.
In that day, he will provide a resting place
And those he loves will reach it through his saving grace.
He will speak to them and they will surely hear
His words of blessing that remove their doubt and fear
The Lord will arise, and rouse himself to do his work,
His strange and mighty awesome work.
Now in Zion there exists a tested stone
The sure foundation of his people’s lasting home
In that day the one who trusts will never be
Dismayed, because the Lord’s great power he will see.
The Lord will arise, and rouse himself to do his work
His strange and mighty awesome work.
Melody Pitches:
Middle C, D, E, C, F, E, D, C, E, F, G
G, C above Middle, B, A, G, A, G, F, E, G, E, D
(Repeat these two lines twice for each verse.)
Refrain:
Middle C, G below, Middle C, D, E
E, E, D, C, F, F, E, D
E, F, E, D, Middle C
Middle C, B, Middle C
What a beautiful song, Heidi!
Likewise, Donna
I was on my way to jury duty when the radio came on with the news. I was shaking and couldn't really believe it. When I got into the jury waiting room, the movie screen was filled with the horrendous events happening...we were put in lockdown for the day. All trials were cancelled and we waited and watched, prayed, and cried. I wanted to go home...Finally they released us around 4pm. Amazing how things changed. People began being nicer. Drivers weren't as aggressive. Smiles were met with smiles...Tragedy brings out the best in people and many who had strayed turned to God...for a brief span of time.
Beautiful poem, Linda...
Blessings,
Deb
I'm writing adventures & mysteries for kids today because of 9/11. The reason is that my industrial video clients stopped asking for productions after 9/11. When the Lights Go Out is a new book to help readers 8 - 13, understand what happened on 9/11 and why it matters to them.
In the story, the father of the main character is able to tell his kids why he joined the army instead of going into business. He says, "After what happened on 9/11, somebody had to help keep the country safe." This opens a short discussion with his two children in which he briefly recounts the events of that day.
I found, while speaking in schools, that many children today know little or nothing about 9/11 or why it's important to them. On a recent national news program, I saw man-on-the-street interviews of young people in their late teens and early twenties. A few could explain what took place on 9/11, but sadly, most had no idea. We can not allow this to continue.
When the Lights Go Out will help teachers, librarians, grandparents, and parents with this issue.
There is a special web page for When the Lights Go Out with lots of information, a video, and a news release. You are welcome to lift any material that might help you in communicating with your circle of influence. http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com
And don't miss the story about Vinny, a New York firefighter who spent 2 hours under the rubble.
Max Elliot Anderson
Max,
Unless we teach them, they will not know.
Linda
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful poem, Linda. I believe that was a day none of us will ever forget. I fear that our nation is not turning to the Lord now as they did then.
Post a Comment