A perfect day, skies cobalt blue,
With people rushing, as they do,
From home to work though no one knew
Disaster was upon them.
A plane appeared, seeming too low,
Some wondered just where it might go,
Then gasped a futile “My God, NO!”
At horror far beyond them.
One building torn and spouting flame,
The second, rent, would look the same.
All wondered what or who to blame
For this hellacious vision.
Those lofty towers side by side,
Twin symbols of the city’s pride,
First shuddered, flamed, then slowly died;
Gone as if by excision.
Reports had quickly filled the air,
And rescue workers, with no care
For unseen peril, gathered there;
Heroes performing surely.
Too soon all knew the awful cost
Of lives snuffed out, forever lost
Like young buds to an early frost;
All forfeit prematurely.
Citizens, once disunited,
Came together, and, clear-sighted,
Pledged this awful wrong be righted;
Now united to the core.
Raw first anger now subsiding,
Clearer minds have been deciding
How to best flush those in hiding,
Those on whom we’ve declared war.
Our leaders ask now for our trust,
Our sacrifices, if we must,
To impale with a fatal thrust
Whomsoever was involved.
The campaign will be extended
Until all are apprehended,
Their excuses reprehended,
Their transgression un-absolved.
F.A. Zedik
09/20/01