9/11/01 − 11 September, 2001
Ice cream cones don't taste the same...
they're laced with guilt for a moment's joy.
I should be planning for a rainy day
instead of wasting time, my boy.
The sun doesn't shine as bright now days.
in my memory, some warmth remains.
Today I look to the skies on edge;
pale shades of blue can't ease the pain.
Guarded hearts are everywhere.
No one opens up to share.
It's not the way we want it to be,
but for now, it's the new reality.
Love thy neighbor if he's like yourself.
If he's different stay away.
Be on defense, and take no rest.
Your weakness is on display.
They've found our soft spot,
and mock our need to love until we're old.
The thing that keeps us going on
is our achilles heart, our open soul.
Disneyland and fairy tales
have lost their innocence.
Antagonists described by these
are now too real to comprehend.
The Sunday morning ease has faded
with Monday right behind.
So many yet untold pitfalls
make quiet hard to find.
We watch the news each evening
with baited breath and fear.
And though we find a few high notes
no silver lining is anywhere near.
The sadness that we feel inside
is transferred to our young.
Almost unknowing, they follow suit
concerned about what may come.
Today I make a pledge to you
that though the fear I've shown
is real enough to change my world
I'll do all I can to love my own.
I'll try to make the sunshine
seem warm in the pale sky blue.
At least for their childhood's memory
that's the least that I can do.
Love thy neighbor as yourself.
Do it every single day.
Love everyone and take no rest.
For your strength is on display.
I'll silently take my courage
as you reach out for a new start.
Do all you can to show the world
that you'll live no more with a guarded heart.
~sgb~
9/4/02
