Memories of 9-11

Memories of 9/11
By Fred Shira


Focused eyes screen glued
as a moving object glides into North Tower.
Flame ball burst.
Discecting—halving—splitting
top from bottom.
My eyes watched
My soul screamed
“The horror. The horror.”
The screen didn’t show
what I knew was real.
My brothers and sisters
were dying
being vaporized
in a moment stood still.
The camera swung
as two people stepped to the proscenium
holding lovers’ hands
forced to decide
the better way to die.
No one should have to choose
between
being immolated or
being pavement shattered.
Looking straight at me
pleading for help
All I could do was watch
with clouded eyes
holding my useless pen
as they jumped.


September 2009