We are quickly approaching the 18th anniversary of 9/11. This poem was written in memory of all the first responders and individuals who rushed to Ground Zero on that day and died. And for those who died years later from 9/11 related illnesses.


8/19/19

Their spirits rise like the smoke in the pit.
Like the wind swept Twin Tower's ashes on 9/11
Their remains are scattered in graves across the nation.
Their memories impaled forever in loved ones hearts
Like the particles that rained down from above that day.

They were there and saved lives
In heroic acts of physical strength and bravery.
They ran to the epicenter like moths to a flame
To save the innocent from the devil's inferno
Caring not that death could be their reward.

Some died in an instant.
Some died saving lives.
Some came out alive
Only to face a slow and painful death later.

They never asked to be heroes.
They were only doing their jobs.
They were examples of humanity's
Greatness in time of tragedy.

As the years march on
They are remembered
By loved ones and
A few memorials here and there.

The sacred ground that was their battlefield
Was rebuilt with a memorial remembering the Twin Tower’s dead.
The names of these first responders appear nowhere.
But heroes never die…

As long as one person remembers them they shall live on,
A flame burning brightly in human hearts.
And those still lingering on the doorstep of death
Will remind us, the living, more strongly than a monument
Chiseled with names, the sacrifices they once made.