9/11 Remembered-- 5th Anniversary (c)

names read
one by one
cello strings moan
tears of torment
blow on sun warmed wind
dust rises on radiant rays
ashes of loves lost.

bell rings
echoes emptiness felt,

unspoken.
music, voices cease

heads bow
in silence
hands clasp in quiet prayer

hands clasp one another

hands wipe tears
hands wipe child’s nose.

names read
one by one

anniversary
of futile immortality

flowers float on reflecting pool

penned notes blur in sorrow’s water

mother’s backs bow

father’s eyes glisten

children tremble

wives, husbands, siblings
mouths turn down,
no words
no words

no words

names are read

one by one,

sobs chill the listener
politicians at podium speak
from duty and shame
jobs half done

told-you-so’ gone un-heeded
as violin strings are stroked for father
never known
by young girl

born after hell’s fire died.

names are read

one by one
children's string orchestra
wails heart sadness
while someplace
somewhere
right here
in our country
cheers rise up

at our anguish
smiles warm faces
at our grief at
celebrations held
on our anniversary
of remembrance.

victor’s feel justified.

come victors, all! celebrate!

drink the blood of yours and mine

sacrificed for this fine wine,

and tell me, how does it taste?