The Day They Made My Lady Cry
She stood there with her torch held high
To watch planes falling from the sky
As silver bullets ripped apart
The center of her loving heart
With disregard for sanity
In senseless act of lunacy
She saw her children fall and die
The day I saw my lady cry.
I LIFT MY LAMP....so reads her plaque
Just miles from terrorist attack
Her open doors now violated
By pure evil orchestrated
Hounds of Hell have been released
And Good must rise to kill the Beast.
I saw her head droop, shaking "Why?"
The day I saw my lady cry.
Her tears will bring on bitter rain
Unleashing winds of hurricane
To circle globe in whirlwind force
Uncover evil at its source
Then seek exacting recompense
From those who prey on innocents.
They'll not forget, as time goes by,
The day they made my lady cry.
Waiting For The Call
He sits there at the kitchen table
In the solitude
Somber eyes reflect the depth
Of melancholy mood..
No sound intrudes to break the spell
Of stillness in the night.....
Alone he sits attentively
Preparing for the fight.
His hands are filled with wrinkles now
His cheeks are furrowed deep..
A small tear streaks down gnarly face
Of one who never weeps.
His spine is upright as he sits
With small phone by his side...
Mind races back to years ago
When many thousands died.
He feels the rock of landing craft
From movement of the sea
As bullets whiz by overhead
From shores on Normandy...
On Iwo Jima he recalls
Tears falling from his eye
To watch Old Glory proudly stand
Against the eastern sky.
Now all he sees are images
From television screen
His mind still keen enough to know
What falling buildings mean...
His country will soon be at war
To save democracy
And keep the world the kind of place
Where man can still live free.
He sits there waiting, Khaki-clad,
A gold bar on his cap
A Browning rifle by his side
And helmet on his lap..
Senility has weakened him
Though you won't see him fall..
He sits there waiting......ready
For his President to call....
Tomorrow
Tomorrow smile at someone
That you've never seen before.
Take time to think of others that
You feel compassion for.
Tomorrow tell somebody
That they brighten up your day.
Let random acts of kindness
Put your feelings on display.
Tomorrow hug your children
Somewhat tighter than before.
Be sure to think of all the things
You can be thankful for.
Pat your dog a little longer.
Hug and kiss your husband/wife.
Thank your God for granting you
Another day of life.
Author notes
These poems were written on 9/12/2001
Written June 4th, 2005
What did you think
Comments
1 - 40 of 40
-
Thank you for that gracious offer, sir. I shall send them to Daniel, with hopes that he will love them as much as I did.
~Amanda -
Thank you, Ashleigh....I'm very pleased you enjoyed these poems. On your question of the third stanza, all lines are written in iambic. To insert another word or syllable would throw that off, thus the reasoning for "circle globe". Thank you for asking, though. It was a very valid question.
-
OMG, this is a beautiful write. I love the last part "Tomorrow". I will certainly do just that. Smile, hug, kiss, pat, and compliment. The first part, "The Day That Made My Lady Cry". Estatic. I completely fell in love with it. Your poetry is simply touching my heart. You brought up that day that many have feared.
I just wanted to know. Did you mean "To circle [the] globe..." in the thrid stanza third line? If you didn't then I think it would sound just a bit better. You don't have to take this, it's just a suggestion.
Other than that, magnificent job and again, keep up the great work.
Tears
-
Thank you, miss....your grandma was certainly lucky! If you would like to send these poems to your friend, please do so.....along with my thanks and appreciation.
thanks again......... -
Lovely
Very, very, very lovely. And sad, also. My Grandma was almost on the plane that crashed into the second tower, but she switched flights. One of my best friends is in the Marines, fighting for our country, and he would love these poems.
~Amanda -
Yes, it will, Angel....thank you for enjoying
-
this is a great poem! The 911 stuff touched us all and I am glad you posted this, even tho it was so long ago it is and will always be a part of our past, present, and future!
-
You are so right, Becky. Not one person in the towers knew that it would be their last day on earth.....THAT is what shakes one's foundations to the core. We need to appreciate each day....and I appreciate you.
-
Neef, I thank you for your kind words and appreciation of the work. Yes, I could picture the old soldier sitting there and that made it easier to read his mind and write. Lose the rhyme?..not a chance, I'm afraid. That's what I am, an old rhymer
Thank you again....
-
Thank you so much for your kind reply. How can someone do it? We'll never know because your minds don't work that way...thank God!
-
thank you, miss! At least he's holed up in a cave somewhere like an animal....if he's alive. Thanks for your kind comment.
-
Thanks, Mark, and of course I agree with you completely. How did I write it on 9/12? That's what I do...my escape valve and my furniture appreciates it.
I know how strongly you feel about it. I wish more people felt the same.... -
Thank you for enjoying, Robin. Yes, I know there are many views and I tried to keep the work non-political. If you enjoyed them, I did. I appreciate your thoughts...
-
Thank you, Lyrical. I was shedding them along with you and millions of others...peace to you
-
Thank you, Dee. Yes, shock and disbelief for sure...and something we must never forget and learn from. My thanks for your wonderful reply.
-
Thank you, Patricia, for allowing my poetry into your heart.
-
Thank you, Karen. Yes, we need to live each day for what it is and be thankful for it, for sure.
As my grandma used to say 'Just think of how many people on the Titanic skipped dessert!!'
-
Thank you for your comment, Rj. Yes, there are some situations so big that different views need to be expressed. A trilogy is good for that. I appreciate your comment.
-
Another Masterpiece
The extended version is even better. I'm amazed you were able to write this on 9/12/01. I was too busy destroying half the furniture in my house. Aside from the obvious scale and magnitude of the attacks, what really drove me over the edge were the family and friends of the survivors wandering through the wreckage with photographs of their lost loved ones. The despair they must have felt. They were not soldiers. They were just people trying to make a living and live their lives. This is why I'm for hunting terrorists down like the rats that they are, and always will be. I see a few people couldn't help mentioning the war in Iraq, even under a heartbreaking piece like this one. All I can say is if you want to attract flies, you put a big pile of poop somewhere and let them come to it. That's a lot easier than chasing them around all over the Middle East trying to find them hiding behind the skirts of their women. It's just time to take out the trash again. As they say, it's a dirty job but somebody's got to do it. And as usual, the U.S. has the conviction and courage to lead the charge.
This is a beautiful work of art. I hope it gets wider exposure. I would send it to the developer of Ground Zero and see if they will add it to a memorial plaque there. Your work should get all the exposure and attention it deserves. Thanks for putting the feelings of that horrible day into words for me.
Mark
-
Dear B,
I cannot add much to anything that's already been said - these are three fine poems.
I'll just say one thing though :- not everyone (particularly here in the UK) was in agreement on the war in Iraq.
Still, let's not get into a political confrontation.
Well done.
Robin. -
These are all wonderful, but #2 is a masterpiece in my mind. It really draws out tears. #1 is very masterful in it perfect form and interesting rhymes
-
For those of us who remember this day, most of us I'm sure, there just aren't really any words to say to this except "Thank you" from another American who shed tears on this day and for many days thereafter.
~Lyrical
-
These poems are all beautiful and so very touching.
-
Such a poignant rendition of heartbreak, patriotism and love, Mike. You've expressed so well, the thoughts, fears, disbelief of a nation in shock, taken by surprise of an unheardof attack which brought forth a pouring out of compassion and comraderie which had lain dormant in our people far too long.
When I think of the days and weeks following this tragedy, I recall that it felt good to know we had pulled together in our sincere efforts and appreciation of our 'neighbors', whether friend or stranger.
Your poems express all of this so well, and in a way which I think can be expressed best at the time it happened, while all the feelings are fresh in our minds and hearts.
Excellent job here, Mike. I've read it several times now and feel it more each time.
Love and
Dee
-
Michael, you brighten my day. The words you have penned move me to tears. We move through our days often leadenly. It is good to appreciate and be thankful for what we cherish and not take it for granted. I've grown used to the wit and wisdom of your ballads. This is more serious that usual, but shows depth, courage of conviction to support what blesses humanity, and thankfulness for our homeland. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Karen
-
This is more beautifully written than I've ever seen. Moments such as these go down in history in archives, but a poem such as this is one that remains in the heart of the reader. Thank you for sharing such a touching piece with us all. Hugs, Patricia
-
Superb!
Beautifully written, and very poignant trilogy, Mike.
Your rhyme and meter are also flawless throughout.
Bravo!
~G
-
I like trilogies, Did one on the same overall subject entitled 'War! (A Trilogy with and Epliogue) Slightly different take on the matter. But never the less on the same subject overall.
Each poem was overall well penned, and as a whole each is improved and a comprehensive feeling is attained that a single poem is not likely to create. So having done one, and knowing just how much effort this can take I would like to commend you on yours. I watched the smoke rise from the twin towers, under a azure cloudless sky. The american flag lilting in my sight. This day I shall never forget. Thanks for adding your words to the memories.
Peace,
~RJ~ -
We all remember where we were on 9-11 and your poem is very good. Well written and deep.
-
wow... this is an awesome set of poems... You did a great job with these!!! I'm sooo glad they were featured so we all would have a chance to read them!!!
Beth -
I remember 9/11 quite well, sitting mesmerized by the tv, trying to make sense of it, where no sense can be made. You have written 3 very good poems, and in some way they all add to each other. I liked the progression from the 9/11 poem, to the old soldier waiting to be called, then the last one - a reminder to live each day and appreciate and be thankful for all that we have.
-
Very powerful write! That day will always be remembered with disbelief and sorrow. All three of these are well-written and rhymed! Your imagery is good and I really like the picture. It is a good selection. Thanks for sharing!
-
That is gorgous. But on the fourth stanza of the second poem you spelled there wrong. Thanks, at times I feel as if I am the only patrotic person where I live.
-
I have read this from beginning to end twice now and I must admit that you have certainly captured these moments in history quite well and then to end it with a solemn reminder to make the most of every day we're given just reall ties this up nicely. Nit only will those first two moments in history change lives forever, so will that well timed hug or kiss or gentle squeeze of the hand or that willing ear to listen. This is simply stunning Mike.
♥ Kimberly -
THese poems gets progressively under your skin. The first one is not bad but the unfortunate pair rhyme scheme cheapens the tregedy to such an extend that it leaves a bitter taste.
But the image of the old man waiting for his president to call - that nearly broke my heart.
The last poem justifies everything that has preceded it.
I've read only one other poem that could move as this, written by Rof Cau.
This was writing that testifies to an empathy for fellow man. Your powers of observation is astute. Now rid Liberty of that rhyme ;-) -
All three of these poems are absolutely astounding!!! The way you put them together amazes me because of how simple they are... The simplicity gives them even more depth and meaning than if you had used a thesaurus for every single line. I remember September Eleventh as if that day had never ended, and am still horrified over it. How could any man have courage enough to consiously fly himself into a building? Why would any man even dream of it??? Way to bring out my emotion, and keep writing like this!
-
Becky's sure not the only one to get the chills, Mike. And, I remember it well too since I was retired and could spend all my time mesmerized by what I was seeing. You've captured so much of that here - just a fantastic job. And the end is so, so true. Somehow I'm reminded of that nearly every day, particularly here at AP. Thanks for writing and sharing.
Paul -
Wow...the day will live forever. I was watching the 9/11 commentary with Robert Dinero...and i was crying all the way through....i still cant believe.....
-
Amazing poems, Mike. I enjoyed the read. It's amazing that it's been 4 years, and we still haven't found the bastard who orchestrated the whole massacre. Shows you what kind of government we have. Oh well. Thank you for using your talent to remind and comfort the rest of us!
-
Mike, I got chills reading these, I can remember that day so well, my daughter was ranting and screaming because she knew people were dying by the score, we were all trying to make sense of such a thing as that - but there was no sense to be made of it. Your words are touched with love of country and your fellow man, and as always, there are lessons to be learned from reading your work. So many brave people met their death that day, but they will never be forgotten. I particularly like the last piece - there is alot to be said for that. You never know when today will be your last - and those people that lost their lives, it had started out as just another day for them.
Beautiful work.
becky
Adding your comment:
1 - 40 of 40
16 old applause
