My Tribute to 9/11

“Adversity often activates a strength we did not know we had.”
Joan Walsh Anglund

On September 11, 2001 the world changed forever. American pride reached abysmal depths never before felt on such a global scale. While the attacks occurred on American soil with intention to hurt Americans, it was felt by people all across the world. I can't see any coverage about that date without crying. I cannot see a fire truck or fireman without remembering.

I remember a day shortly after 9/11/01, I saw a fire truck drive by with a HUGE American flag attached, waving in the wind with such poetic justice, it unleashed a surge of emotions within me that I couldn't control. I trembled and sobbed while the waves of sadness washed over me as if cleansing my soul of any hate, for if we succumb to hate we succumb to terrorism.



To this day, I cannot think of that day or see images of that day without reliving the pain. I know I am not alone. I never considered myself "patriotic" before 9/11. I will never consider myself anything less after that. I know now that I always have been.

In honor of all people worldwide who have lost their lives (on 9/11 and during the war on terrorism), who have lost loved ones, who have lost trust, who have lost faith... who have lost anything. I extend my heart and my tears to you, in complete humbleness and gratitude.



Memories of 9/11
I will never forget the pain
Or the visions that linger
In my mind, stirring
Pains of a different kind
Than that of a normal broken heart,
And the tears that flow
Forever in my soul, iridescent,
Illuminating these memories
Solidifying into permanent
Residents of my heart
For each of the victims,
Loved and lost and for those left behind
To grieve in the wake
Of rising dust encompassing their world
Like an apocalyptic Moon,
Bad moon rising on that day before noon
But heroes emerged and compassion surged
Through our nation, like love through the veins
Of an ever-loving heart
That will never forget

~ Brenda Barnhart ~
09/2004


To the Terrorists

I am no terrorist
I will not succumb to hate
God & I will decide my fate
I will not live in fear
I will not give you that
Satisfaction
    ;all infractions
to incur are yours
        and yours alone
Your karmic retribution
Will scour you to the bone

What will you say to your God
When he asks you, “WHY?”
And don't think that he wont
Because god does not condone
Hatred, or murder

And that's what you are
hateful murderer
nothing less, and certainly
Nothing more

~ Brenda Barnhart ~
09/2004


Copyright © 2004 Brenda Barnhart. All Rights Reserved.
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