|
As the soot and dirt and ash
rained down,
WE BECAME ONE COLOR.
As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning building,
WE BECAME ONE CLASS.
As we lit candles of waiting and hope,
WE BECAME ONE GENERATION.
As the firefighters and police officers fought their way into the inferno,
WE BECAME ONE GENDER.
As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength,
WE BECAME ONE FAITH.
As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement,
WE SPOKE ONE LANGUAGE.
As we gave our blood in lines a mile long,
WE BECAME ONE BODY.
As we mourned together the great loss,
WE BECAME ONE SOUL.
As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes,
WE BECOME ONE PEOPLE.
We are: ONE COLOR, ONE CLASS, ONE GENERATION
ONE GENDER, ONE FAITH, ONE LANGUAGE
ONE BODY, ONE FAMILY, ONE SOUL, ONE PEOPLE
We are the Power of One. We are United. WE ARE AMERICA.
A Litany of Remembrance
In the rising of the sun and in its
going down,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
So long as we live, they too shall live,
For they are a part of us,
FOR WE REMEMBER THEM.
-Roland B. Gittlesohn (adapted)
|
