The American Wars

As I mentioned earlier, I have started a tradition, which dates back to September 11, 2001, of writing a new poem every year on this date. This year was no exception. So, here’s the poem.

US 91101

Victoria B. Roberts

Shadow warriors board their flights

Blending in with the others on board

Though on the outside they seemed like all others

The inside bore hearts of stone

It was their intent to bring us down

To drive us to fear to tear us apart

The end of it all proved they were wrong

As the nation united in deed and in song

These shadow warriors soon took over the flights which they were on

Two of these flights exploded into the World Trade Center

Like a thunderbolt rolling in the sky

The Giant Twins both north and south

Came crashing down through smoke and ash

Elsewhere a flight soared into a portion of the Pentagon

Where men and women in uniform as well as some civilians

Were going about the business of the day

There and at the White House too an evacuation took place

Down in Florida children awaited to hear a story told by their president

A day like any other until the news broke forth to them

As the morning wore on Flight 93 was retaken by its passengers

This flight intended to bring down another icon instead crashed in Shanksville, PA

Across the country where people should be cowering instead could be seen

A nation united together by tragedy in one voice declared they would be strong

To all the world this nation became as only one city

And so was born US 91101

September 11, 2006

Earlier today, I attended a job fair in Birmingham, AL. As I went, my thoughts were “This is a large town and there’s very likely to be a lot of people there. What are the chances?” The next thought was, “Well, this is a job fair and will probably be like others I’ve attended, therefore a representative from some area of the Army is likely to be there.” When I made my way around to the various booths, I wasn’t at all surprised to see 2 representatives from some area of the Army there. One, an officer in the Army National Guard (I wish I’d paid attention to his rank as he seemed highly decorated and wearing what I assume was his dress uniform. Or maybe it just seemed so under those medals.), I actually got up the courage (though not really difficult for me to do) to go up to him and thank him for serving his country. Thinking of it now, I believe I may have just said thank you and not specified what for. However, he appreciated it all the same.

Later, I joined my brother, sister-in-law, and niece for lunch (we decided to eat out). On the way, I started noticing some flags flying at half mast. There may have been some other reason for it, but I truly believe it was because of the day.

Another thing that caught my attention actually occurred last night. My sister-in-law and I were trying to decide whether or not to attend a conference today. She wondered what the topic would be so I pulled out her conference packet and checked. The topic was “Our Sovereign God: God’s Power And Goodness in A World Of Joy And Suffering.” The speaker, Dr. Bruce Ware, mentioned September 11 a few times in his talk and furthermore indicated that it wasn’t until later that he and the others involved in this event realized that significance of the topic with the day it was to be given. By the way, I found the night’s service to be extremely good.

Going back in the day a bit…

Earlier today, I was working on my traditional poem and finding it rather difficult as I didn’t have my usual resources. As I stated in my last post, I generally rely pretty heavily on a video called “America Remembers.” here’s something I discovered as I struggled to write. “Music always seems evoke an emotional response from people. However, as I read “Feature: Snapshots of sympathy” by Al Webb, I found myself in tears.” I can still remember the very first time I read that article. It was around the time of 911 and the response it evoked in me then was the same as it was today. Had I continued to allow myself to read other articles, poems, songs, discussions, etc (which I’d collected) I may have had that same response.

Again, I want to thank all the men and women of the US Armed Forces, but especially those serving in this War on Terrorism, thank you for serving your country.

As is my tradition, I have already begun to write what has now become my annual poem in tribute/in memorial to September 11, 2001. However, this year is slightly different as I am away from home and am not able to rely on my usual sources of inspirations. On of my favorites, is America Remembers. I hope this doesn’t sound morbid as it shouldn’t. I want to relive that day in order to write a poem that truly captures, in hopefully new ways, the events and emotions of that day. The reason why America Remembers is a favorite of mine is because it tells the story of 9-11-01 by speaking to not only the media, but also people like me (just every day sort). I also like the music that was chosen. I don’t know the name of it or if it even has a name, but it is VERY powerful, VERY moving, and VERY emotional. I think the music itself evokes the emotions I need to write the poems. If I can just have that combined with the pictures and stories I can find online, that’ll be enough.

What more can I say at this time? Not really all that much, but don’t be surprised to see other entries here today.

As I typed that last bit, a thought suddenly occurred to me. Today is Monday, September 11, 2006. Next year it will be Tuesday, September 11, 2007. A rather frightening thought if you ask me. Thank goodness for our military forces. While I’m on that subject, this goes out to all the men and women in uniform, but especially to those serving in the war on terrorism: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR KEEPING US SAFE!!!!