I wrote this poem last Thursday night....the words just came to me after

everything that has happened the last few days.....I hope it is of some

comfort....

TODAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

Today I saw the face of evil

in the heart of our great nation;

the sickening essence of madness

that will haunt our generation.

From airplanes used as missiles

with the innocent in their path;

to skyscrapers crumbling in ruins

the result of a terrorist's wrath.

Yesterday we had our innocence

today we wander lost;

we stare at each other blankly

and wonder why the cost.

Is freedom such a horrible crime

that some would take it away?

Did democracy fail to do its task

and yield to them this day?

My children look to me for answers

for once I've none to give;

I'm just as scared as they are now

My only desire: to live!

But then I saw a statue

the lady with the golden flame;

who gazed out across the harbor

to comfort the hurt and the lame.

She now watches over a skyline

forever altered and displaced;

smoke hovering like a blanket

over stones impossible to replace.

Then night falls over the city

orange smoke makes it look surreal;

I wonder who is out there tonight

what pain the darkness conceals.

But I cannot let this horrible day

get the best of me;

I must not let these madmen win

and lose all hope--you see.

Men gave their life for us today

we cannot let them down;

Freedom came with a price for them

worth more than any crown.

 So even though we were knocked down

 we will rise again from the dust;

 for our country's motto will see us through

 it says "In God we trust".

> Note: Please feel free to send this to whoever you think with enjoy this.

> Joy, you have my permission to post this on the Arp website. KK

>

> Kenna M. Kempton