The following poems were submitted in remembrance of September 11, 2001 - a day that changed us forever.
NINE ELEVEN
It was early in the morning
The doves had left their nests
Soaring high to cloudless sky
High up above the rest
Inside their metal bellies
People ate from breakfast tray
Then doves transformed to vultures
Changing course to seek their prey
Far below on crowded streets
People rushing to and fro
A bag of donuts, can of coke
As off to work they go
Into their shiny buildings
Into the tallest trees
Made of steel and glass
The best of man’s technology
The vultures flocked together
And lined their target up
Then dived into the branches
Into flames of death erupt
Panic, fear, repentance
As the buildings fell
Tall trees to piles of rubble
Thousands dead as well
Around the world the pictures flashed
People numbed with tears of grief
While some danced in jubilation
But most with disbelief
An act of mindless violence
A pointless loss of life
A giant army woken
Years to come of war and strife.
Gordon Elks ©2004
WALKING IN GOD'S ARMOR
(A Prayer For Our USA Service)
Lord, we bring before You -
though we may not know each name -
The men and women called to serve.
Lord, they seek no reward or fame.
Lord, grant them wisdom to know Your Word,
and to hide in Your Secret Place.
Keep them in the shelter of Your arms;
help them to seek Your Holy face.
Though the world may come against them,
let the arrow that flies by day
Be trampled under feet shod with peace
as they walk in Your steadfast way.
When they see destruction at noonday,
Lord, give them courage to stand
Holding the shield of faith You give
to protect our beautiful land.
Terror may come in the night time -
thousands may fall at their side,
But, Lord we pray You'll protect them -
that in Your grace they'll abide.
Help them wield the sword of Your Spirit
to fight for the freedom You give,
Whether on the shores of our enemies,
or in the land where we live.
We know You have heard our prayers, Dear Lord,
as our soldiers take the helmet of salvation.
Guide them in Your righteousness
as they stand proudly defending our nation.
Phyllis D. Jolliff
© 2001 by Phyllis D. Jolliff
All Rights Reserved
WE THE PEOPLE
We The people
Do not understand
What could have happened
To our glorious land.
A Nation of strength
Full of love for the world
Now we are torn,
Our lives are unfurled.
Thousands are lost,
Our nations in sorrow,
Americans pray
For a hope of tomorrow.
Why did this happen?
There's no explanation.
We stand by our leader
Who's guiding our nation.
We ask ourselves why,
What have we done?
Is this the end?
Has it begun?
Now we'll be strong
for the love of this land,
The answer will come
As united we stand.
We will continue to pray
And never lose hope,
Be there for each other,
And walk a tight rope.
We will prevail
As God wants us to do.
Every heart strong
For me and for you.
United we stand,
Together we pray
As our nation of people
Begin a new day.
We do not know
Why this has been done.
God is the answer,
He is the one.
We the people
United we stand,
Will all pull together
To save our great land.
We are a nation
of strength and of love.
We have God's grace
From heaven above.
Ellen C. Doucette
Zephyrhills, Florida
Written on the evening of the attack.
OUR ASSIGNMENT
Dedicated to the Military families after 911
We all feel helpless, left here at home,
While our men and women in far countries roam.
We as a country have pulled together,
And in our pain shall stand forever!
Reaching like children up to our Lord,
Crying so passionately for strength and sword.
For that is our job, one nation we stand,
In deepest prayer, "Dear Lord Save Our Land"
So gather now and pray with me,
One Nation Under God singing "Sweet Liberty"
For God is our strength and God is our power,
This is the time and this is the hour.
To show our enemies our faith in our God!
He can conquer evil with one glance and a nod.
We that are home our assignment is clear,
Pray without ceasing for those There so Dear....
Linda Sue Etling
THE AMERICAN PSALM
I woke up to see through the eyes of a innocent child
trying to express and release somewhat of an emotion
the smoke and the cries ring through my heart and soul
and pain was a constant tempest, while hope was a vast ocean
brother and sister, came together as one, hand and hand
while an endless sorrow and grief tried to keep us down
and we rose to comfort each other trying to understand
while confusion and adversity tried us, all love gathered 'round
and out of the ashes and twisted metal faith has become real
out of the ashes and twisted metal we have become to feel
We will not forget those who died to save so many lives
we will forever remember those who gave their lives freely
victims, families torn, fire men, police men, and volunteers
their names well forever etch through the halls of time and eternity
We could only imagine the fear of those who took on the impossible
leaders, who rose to take charge of the times who would try one's soul
we well never forget the fear and courage of those on flight 93
the price that they would choose to pay, are you ready? OK, lets roll!
and out of the ashes and smoke love is what we now feel
out of the shadows, freedom and liberty has never felt so real
Oh, you endless amber fields of grain forever grow
might eagle of freedom spread your wings and soar
Oh, beautiful flag that I love forever remain high
mighty men and women rise and stand forever more
and to Our Sweet Lord of Creation
hear my prayer, my plea for the nation
Hide not Your spirit but cover us in the shadow of Your wings
for it is in You we find comfort and strength, Lord bless this land
Be our light that pieces through the darkness, Lord, guide us
Be by our side until the end when we well forever live in Glory Land
John Glen Martinez, Texas
FATHER
Many heads today shall bow.
More than the usual share.
Many hearts shall reach out.
As they speak to You in prayer.
They shall ask You to bring them comfort.
As their minds question why.
How could someone do such a thing.
Is what their minds will cry.
Father I pray please bring them comfort.
And bring them strength to see them through.
And help each heart to find the peace.
That they so desperately need too.
I ask please give them courage.
To face yet another day.
But most of all my prayer for them.
Is each heart with You will stay.
Terrica Jestice
9-11-02
TUMBLED TOWERS, HUMBLED HEARTS
T'was a bright and sunny day
The American dream was in reach
For people living on the prairies,
In the mountains, near the beach
And that’s were our minds were
Not on our God up above
Not on our needy neighbors
Nor of reaching out in love
Lives changed in an instant
As the tall towers tumbled
What could we do to help
Forever hearts were humbled
We stood in lines to give blood
Prayed for our nation’s peace
Waved our flags, sang and cried
Listened to the President speak
What we mustn’t do now, you know
Is go back to the way that it was
For our world will never be the same
Now that so many shed their blood
We’ve discovered heroes among us
We just cannot forget those who died
Nor can we assume our own safety
Or forget how our country cried
A tragedy taught us to be
What our forefathers thought all along
One nation brought together
By loss, by love and by song.
Marilyn Wilkerson, © Copyright 2001
GOT FRUIT?
(Gal. 5:22-23)
Do we really know what our children need?
We shouldn't give them everything they please.
Which request should we grant them?
God is wise; let us turn to Him.
The memories of September 11th will always be blue.
But it is in this act, God taught us what to do.
He brought us" invincible parents" to our knees,
To remind us of what our children need.
We need a parent just like our children do,
To give us someone we can look up to.
When our children look around,
They see that our country is building up from the ground.
Through acts of love and kindness,
Gently, our country showed its greatness.
Satan, through the use of terrorists, tried to pull us apart.
Instead, it gave us the realization of what matters to our children's heart.
They need to see examples of the fruits of the spirit and not just words on the
page.
This will surely guard them through life as they come of age.
It is good for them to see the public exemplify, patience and self-control,
But they also need to see us as parents model our roles.
Poisons of divorce are across the land,
But our children need to see their parents walking hand in hand.
For when they see this symbol of faithfulness that is shown,
They will be able to have a joyful strong family on their own.
Jay W. Mayes, 2002, Texas
ECHO'S IN MY HEAD
How do I express on paper.
Thoughts that echo in my head.
When I think of all the grief.
And the tears that have been shed.
But the tragedy of 9-11.
Is on my mind today.
I seem to see a multitude.
Of graves where dear one's lay.
My sympathy goes to the families.
For the heartaches that they bare.
I know of the pain they feel.
And will keep them in my prayers.
But the tears that fall upon my cheeks.
Are for the one's that died.
Not the one's that walk with God.
It's the other's for whom I've cried.
And these thoughts, that echo in my head.
Are not really thoughts at all.
But echo's of my Savior's voice.
" Please Come Heed My Call."
Terrica Jestice
3-28-02
THE DAY THE TOWERS WENT DOWN
'Tis arduous to contemplate
a shock this so profound.
Our nation's heart did palpitate...
the day the towers went down.
A blue-skyed, crisp, clear morning...
busy bustlings abound,
But without a single warning...
the towers would come down.
Dumbstruck at the television,...
our spirits sinking down,...
Only madmen could envision
those great towers coming down.
A screaming jet; Exploding flash!
terrible piercing sounds...
A blasting, smoking, choking mass
hurling toward the grounds
A mass of orphans and widows made
in an instant we have found!!...
What scoundrel caused this mad charade?
Why did these towers come down?
What chaos; What catastrophe!
What a crashing dreadful sound!
We couldn't believe our very eyes...
the day the towers came down.
And policemen, firemen; Hero's true!
Went charging to the sound!
Alas, consumed by 'one' and 'two'
as they came crashing down!
One hundred ten floors of New York's pride
held the world in a spell,...
As countless folks were crushed and died...
when the mighty skyline fell!
Our friends, and even our enemies,
domestic and world round,...
Stood silent and remorsefully shocked...
the day the towers came down.
What evil lurks within the hearts
of men who seek renown
By terrorizing all the world;
by blowing towers down?
Oh from whom do we seek comfort now...
Whilst we gaze at smoking mounds...
Of broken wreckage and shattered steel;...
Where mighty towers once stood sound.
Those who'd curse God are muted now;
Their rhetoric they don't dare...
As we lowered our normally prideful brow...
and turn to God in prayer.
Yes, in pews across America
sighs and prayers - the only sounds...
Souls by thousands dead and gone...
...the day the towers went down.
Edward Yurish
Glen Burnie, Md
Here is another poem by Edward Yurish
THE SORROW OF A TWIN TOWERS CHILD
Last Tuesday Daddy went to work.
I watched him leave our home.
He kissed me then went down our walk;
...Left me and Mommy all alone.
Daddy didn't come home that day.
Mommy still sobs within her hands.
She told me Daddy was gone to stay,
...killed by bad people from distant lands.
Why did they have to kill my Dad?
I needed Daddy near!
I love my Daddy oh so much;
...I miss him through my tears.
Why did they make my Daddy dead?
He wouldn't hurt a fly!
Just what could he have done or said?
...Why did he have to die?
My Mommy says we shouldn't hate;
We should take our sorrows to the Lord.
But I tell you honestly, I can't wait,
...until they're judged by God's own Word.
I can't help the way I feel today.
And my Mommy,... she's not well.
I can't help but think that these bad men
...shall forever burn in Hell.
Last Tuesday Daddy went to work.
I watched him leave our home.
Never again to step upon our walk;
...Me and Mommy are left alone.
Edward Yurish
Glen Burnie, Md
RELIGIOUS BIGOTS
Pain you still feel
It still doesn't seem real
Cries you still hear
You can't help but shed a tear
As the billowing fire
Grows even higher
You know the end is near
Just imagine the fear
When things are bad
Then you remember God
You need not fear
You know He's near
Godless pilots
Religious bigots
Under Satan’s spell
They will all burn in hell.
Alex Norona
Copyright ©2002
In the afternoon of September Eleventh as I was reaching up and
inserting my FLAG pole into its holder on the front of my home,( as I had done
so many other time's), I looked up toward Heaven and asked our God that the
nation was crying out to: "What does this emblem really stand for, Lord?"
He answered me immediately with these word's, "It stand's for Freedom, Liberty,
And Grace." Returning inside I felt it necessary to write down what I had been
told. Then, did I realize, the first letter of each Glorious Word spelled out
F.L.A.G. Then my Lord gave me the Word's to this message:
F.L.A.G.
Some say FREEDOM is just another word
for nothing left to do.
But how Blessed we must consider ourselves Lord
to have time to spend with You.
We stand at attention with our head's held high
and our calloused hand's across our heart,
with LIBERTY and justice for all,
is that truly where we should start?
As we travel along life's bi-ways
AND we're trying to win the race,
how terribly difficult it would be to win
without his saving GRACE.
So let's wave our FREEDOM, LIBERTY AND GRACE
and win this hard fought war.
Let's renew our strength, walk and not faint
and as eagles we will learn how to soar.
Don Sutton
H MY PRAYER FOR AMERICA H
Lord, I come to you with my burdened heart knowing that you’ll
hear
Your people are now grieving so and continue to live in fear
I know it is not possible for some, to even understand
How an unimaginable tragedy like this could come to our great land
So many innocent lives were lost in such a senseless way
For our country Lord, this was our darkest day
I know that you were with them Lord, as they went home to you
I know that you will be there as you help to see us through
Heal the families of the heroes that died so some may live
With the last breath of hope, they gave all that they could give
Help ease the pain of loss with a sense of pride now as a part
For their heroic efforts will be forever etched inside our hearts
Help the little children to always remember who it was who gave them life
Comfort the widower as he mourns now so for his wife
Help console the women who grieve with the emptiness they now feel
The common bond with all, is the pain is oh so real
Even in the midst of this devastation we still stand together and strong
United we raise our flags and uplift our spirit in song
Our cries were heard across the oceans and they share in our pain
Eager to rise to help preserve our freedom all over again!
Our forefathers stood together on many a battlefield
Never compromising freedom and a victory the battle would yield!
We are proud to be Americans for you have shed your grace
For through history for those who have fallen, another has taken his place
Shield our land with your armor and preserve us with your light
Help us stand and hold our country together as we begin our fight
Let freedom again ring from sea to shinning sea
Let pride in our country reflect for all the world to see!
We will fight for the preservation of freedom no matter what the cost
We will stand in the face of the enemies until all the evil is lost
If there is no alternative, and going to war then becomes a must
As our forefathers before us, in YOU we’ll put our trust!
Nancy Stephens
Copyright 2001
H A PRAYER FOR ALL OF AMERICA H
Heavenly Father up above
Guide us with your gentle love
The evil forces have come our way
Take them away, oh Lord we pray
Our buildings were terrorized and crumbled down
It's been two weeks today since a survivor has been found
We've lost our associates, our loved ones, our friends
Oh help us dear Lord, we've many hearts to mend
Please comfort us with the gentleness that only you know how
For not one, not many, but we ALL need you now
So many tears, so many whys
Heavenly Father, please hear our cries
Bring us comfort in our time of grief
Bring us acceptance in our time of disbelief
Hold onto our hands and hold onto our hearts
Oh Lord, we need You to fill all of our empty parts
Please help us find some good from that terrible day
So that we may shout out and here ourselves say:
"Oh Lord, we need you in our lives forevermore
What are we making all of these excuses for?
Oh, I'm too busy to go to church today…
My sons got a football game. I've gotta watch him play
Volunteer to help with the prayer group meal?
Maybe next week we can work out a deal"
There's always an excuse, we never seem to have time
To let the goodness in instead of all the filth and grime
We have overindulged in the "too busy", "too tired"
But somehow that's changed since this tragedy has transpired
We now take time to notice and appreciate the littlest things
How heart warming is the love that our wondrous Lord brings!
From all bad there comes good or so it is said
So please help us to rid ourselves of the bad, and keep the good instead
Let us be rid of the racism and greed
Let us see that you have given us just what we need
In a land that was beginning to be a "me me me" place
Has now been shone upon by your amazing grace
We've come together as a country and stand proud as one
Look at what your wondrous work has already done!
I pray that the unity that we've recently found
Will keep all human races permanently bound
That the selfish land that we were coming to be
Will be never again for Thine eyes to see.
Sherilynn Reichmann 9/25/01
Blandon, Pennsylvania
I am an Australian and I would like to submit a poem that I hope
will be an encouragement to all New Yorkers, in the light of Sept 11th.
Sincerely,
Barry Goode
NEW YORK NEEDS YOU
New York needs you, your kindness and loving prayers.
To cover them daily, and show them you really care.
To help when they're grieving, to ease pain and stress.
And spread peace and kindness, encourage and bless.
Give of your love freely, give of your time, too,
Give freely your offerings, for New York needs you.
The frightened and saddened, need help to come through.
The families of victims, to name just a few.
New York needs you, to bring it your special gift,
And raise up their spirits, and give them a needed lift.
They need lots of healing, and courage and hope,
And strong faith and patience, to help people cope.
New York needs you, to fight evil everywhere.
On land or at sea, or high up in the air,
When good people perish, when terror prevails,
We'll fight till we win, and we will not fail.
Barry Goode
A TIME OF AMAZING GRACE
A ROCK TURNED TO SAND
A nation has been wounded, the people full of fear,
Never has this country seen an attack so close to here.
I cried out to our God, "How could you let this be?"
How could you turn your face from the one true land that’s free?
Free to serve and worship you, that’s why this place began,
It looks as though in our time of need you just turned around and ran.
I heard a voice from heaven, not loud but very meek,
"I am here for my children if my way again they’d seek"
I’ve poured my blessing on this land then watched you grow in greed,
For power you have killed your own and some you would not feed.
You’ve beaten little children and disregard the old,
Your hearts have become fattened by your love for power and gold.
I’ve tried to bring you back to me but my warnings you wouldn’t hear,
You’ve forced me out of your government, in schools they pray in fear.
Yes I turned my head away from all this pain and shame,
But you’re the one who made me leave so you’re the one to blame.
You ask me where I am right now you ask me if I care,
With tears I hear your every cry, your burden again I’ll bare.
Come back to me America so I can be your shield,
And once again, hand in hand we’ll walk that battlefield.
I am the way the truth the life on this again rely,
And stop abusing your freedom for in this I can’t comply.
Take off your blinders, open your eyes and see the truth to see.
This land was founded on a rock that rock you know was me.
Lori Robb
Maumee, Ohio
THERE'S
NO
PLACE
LEFT TO
RUN
You
tried to
tear
our country
apart,
You
tried
to
break
us
down;
You
took our
brothers
and
sisters,
And
you
put
them
in the
ground.
You used
our planes
against
us,
Our people
trapped
inside;
You
brought
about
destruction,
You
crumbled
America's
pride.
You took
our
lovely
buildings,
And
you
burnt them
to
the
ground;
You
terrorized
our
country,
Your
hatred
knew
no
bounds.
But
now
we're
back and
stronger
then
ever,
Together,
"united
as one";
To
put
an
end
to
terrorism,
Like
the
senseless
acts
you've
done.
United,
we
are
coming,
You
had better
load
your
guns;
America is
after
you,
There's
no
place
left
to
run.
Kasey Danielle
Cardy
D'iberville, Mississippi
September 16, 2001
Age 14
(Kasey said that this was the first poem she ever wrote)
DAY OF GREAT DESPAIR
Thankfully our president and his wife
Were kept safely in God’s hand
As terrorists did their evil work
Bringing destruction to our land.
I believe a plane was meant to hit
Our White House that day.
Another to destroy Air Force One
Was on its deadly way.
Thank You Heavenly Father
For You have spared the life
Of President George Bush
And that of his lovely wife.
You are a God
Who will work evil for good.
Help us to learn from this horror
All that we should.
Grant us the courage to repent,
And turn from our wicked ways.
Give us the strength to live as we should,
As we walk through these evil days.
When we see President Bush,
May we give the Glory to You.
For it is only by Your Grace,
He is here your will to do.
Please send the Comforter
To those who have suffered loss
For each of them has paid
A terrible, terrible cost!
Almighty Heavenly Father
Give wisdom for these horrendous times.
Grant it to President Bush, and all in authority
As they seek payment for these despicable crimes.
God bless America
Keep her in Your care
Just as You did our president
On that day of great despair.
Justa Mudder
Gates, New York State
Here is another poem written by Justa:
911
Hello, 911?
I have an emergency
My heart’s been over taken,
By a great sense of urgency.
There is so much tension
All throughout our land
Because we are in a war,
That we don’t understand!
It’s like we are waiting,
For the other shoe to fall
We know something is going to happen,
Something, that will effect us all.
It could be bacterial warfare
Or it could be sarin gas
It’s like some great big test
We’re not sure that we can pass!
So, 911,
What is that you say?
The only advice you have,
Is for all of us to pray?
We should allow our hearts and minds,
To rest in the Lord, as we pray,
For in His presence there is great peace,
Which is what we need today.
We are not to let our hearts be troubled,
And we are not to be afraid.
We must remember that,
As through this war we wade.
We must remember the wise words
Found in Isaiah 26:3-4
For the Lord will be our rock eternal
As we go through this war.
Our situation may not look good,
But God is in control
We all need to remember that
With all our heart and soul.
Justa Mudder
Gates, New York State
September 22, 2001
THE TEARS OF A NATION
(II Chronicles 7:14)
The tears of a Nation
Splashing
Down
To water
The fertile soil
Of American hearts,
Growing a unity of heart and hope
Springing up toward God and reaching out
From man to man to demonstrate God's overwhelming Love.
Dropping
Silently
On the ground,
Spilling down stunned faces,
Streaming unashamedly down the cheeks of every color and gender.
With
Each
Drop
A new resolve is birthed
In the soul of our nation
To do what we can,
To help whom we can,
To pray when we can.
The tears of a nation
Leading us back to our God.
God sees your tears, America,
But He also sees your heart.
Do you know Him?
Is this God's way of calling you back to Himself?
Let us not forget the heartache.
Let us not forget the pain.
Let us not forget the prayers we've said,
The tears we've shed,
The unity in our hearts.
But most of all, let us not forget our God.
Let us humble ourselves before Him
And beg His mercy.
Let us pray diligently.
Let us seek the face of the One who loves us,
Who calls us.
Let us leave our wicked ways behind.
God will hear us from heaven.
He will forgive us.
He will heal our land.
Let us remember Him.
Irene E. Kurtz
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
September 11th was a horrible day
for all of New York, D.C., and PA.,
There was blood and death all around
and the Cowards responsible cannot be found;
America will stand United & Strong
saying our prayers & singing our song (America the beautiful),
Our God & our faith will see us through
and with Him we'll CONQUER Evil like you!
Rosie McKeever
Lewisberry, PA. (USA)
"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done." Rev. 22 vs 12. (NIV)
THE MESSAGE
I've cried to God as I've beheld
The world wrapped up in fear
Of lack and death and war that looms
To snatch lives held so dear
I said, "My God! - Have you not heard
The newsmen on TV?!
Do you not know the shape we're in?
Do you not care for me?"
"I'm scared, Dear Jesus! - Help us! - Please!
There's news of fear and war
And I'm afraid, Lord - I admit! -
Of what might be in store."
"Peace, be still, My child," He said
"And hear now what I say
For I have seen and heard the cries
Of those who, to Me, pray.
"Keep your eyes upon ME now
Not what you hear or see
And, as you do, you'll keep My peace -
IF your mind stays on ME!"
"It matters not what one man says
Or even many more
For I am God, and I decide
Each day what lies in store."
"I've told you there would be such times
When, of these things, you'd hear
I told you so you'd be PREPARED
And FULL OF PEACE, not fear."
"For all these things MUST be fulfilled
Yet MY WORD fails not
For I AM still your Hiding Place
As all the fires rage hot."
"You're hid beneath MY shadow now
And you can rest in Me
Yes you can trust My Words of LOVE
To last eternally."
"For I'm your Father, Counselor, Friend
Your Alpha and your End
And if this was the world's last day
Be sure, for you, I'd send."
"I've promised I'd save you a place
If you would stay in Me
Stay pure and faithful, eyes on Me
And, victory, you'll see."
"I can't tell you if it's 'the end' -
NO human man can know
But I CAN tell you, it IS close,
So be prepared to go."
"Each day I give you, reach in love
To save another soul
For snatching them from Me for Hell
Is truly Satan's goal."
"Occupy until I come
Live each day FULL in ME
Just keep your eyes upon MY face
And know that I DO see."
"I see the world, I see YOUR LIFE
And I DO care for YOU
And know, no matter WHAT occurs
My love for you stands TRUE."
"I'm Alpha and Omega - God -
I'm King and Lord of ALL
I'll be right near to care for you
As, on My name, you call."
"For I can change the hearts of Kings
And I, their hearts, do try
And I'M the One who formed this world
And says when it shall die."
"So, USE this time to SEEK THE LOST
And tell them of My Love
That they, too, may be saved
And live With Me, again, above."
"Don't listen to fear's voice - hear MINE!
Then STAND on what you've heard
Don't fear yours or the world's fate -
It's destined by MY WORD."
"Keep your eyes on ME, My Child,
And let Me wipe each tear
For I am God and IN CONTROL -
So live in peace, not fear."
Written after the terrorist attack on the United States September 11, 2001
Author Unknown
This ends the poems in honor of those who died in the terrorist attacks in the
United States of America.