Almost nine months, the grounds look clean,
No girders, smoke or bodies seen,
The remnants gone like a bad dream,
No more to be recovered.
Onlookers watched with vacant stares,
While others, mouthing silent prayers,
Recalled the loved ones that were theirs,
Their cries of anguish smothered.
Memories, though never failing,
Soften, much like sad notes trailing
From the piper’s drone, low wailing,
Moaning for those never found.
Hundreds came and began swarming
‘Til they found their own ranks forming
Silent lines on cold earth warming;
Soon a bell began to sound.
One flag covered empty litter
Borne by eight through sunlight’s glitter,
Fire fighter, cop, beam fitter
Began the slow procession.
A steel support, the last to stand,
Drew near the lone reviewing stand
Bearing a flag just as was planned
To make a deep impression.
The workers, in a mass, then neared
The dignitaries, who all cheered.
Those memories will remain seared
Within all who shared that day.
There was no climax, just a sigh
As the last marchers moved on by,
All those assembled said goodbye,
Then moved silently away.
F.A, Zedik
05-30-02