Two thousand nine hundred
and ninety three
white stone markers
arrayed in martyrdom
after a fateful
September day.
Though the twin towers
are gone
the light of heaven
shines through
a beacon
a torch
tarnished copper
held high above
by a statued witness.
Freedom
more than a concept
or words
written on crumbling paper
trapped in glass
for all to see.
"Bring us your huddled masses"
she holds high
in coppery confinement
words fading
as the borders
start to close
and the fingers
wag their blame.
Ring the bell of liberty
long ago cracked
does it still sound
or do the words
lose their meaning
when translated
across imaginary lines?
In the end
the cost of freedom
may not be judged
solely on death tolls
and taxes
but on freedom
itself
withdrawn.
Death Tolls and Taxes©
by Dave Powell
2/7/08
A contest entry
- What makes you passionate? by TabbyCat.
900 points, ended March 24, 2008, 30 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
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I really enjoyed this...9/11 is a day I'll never forget. I wrote a poem about it myself that's on my page. However, if I'm reading your poem correctly, I think we'd also share some disagreements. Nevertheless...I can feel the emotion of your poem and see that you are a true patriot of our beloved country. Thanks for sharing.
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I enjoyed the references to our country's national treasures. Your patriotism shines through here. Thank you for sharing.
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This has intense emotion and much depth, I re-read several times because of the great flow of phrases, worded well and composed for such ease. Bravo.
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This is a sad poem in many ways for it depicts the ending of absolute freedom for the mass of a generation to come and yet are we(the people) not guilty ourselves of allowing this to happen?
Is it not we who elect our leaders to do OUR bidding and not the bidding of the oil and gold greedy magnates sitting safe in their ivory towers Who are ultimately to blame or is that just the perception the politicions wish us to believe.
America has the chance soon to elect a new leader for their country and ultimately the free world, I would advise all who can to make a choice or lose your voice and pick not the candidate that can do more for themselves but the candidate who you believe can do mere for us all.
It is time to stop the fighting and time to start living.
(sorry got carried away there.)
An excellent poem my friend.
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