She heard the wails of the sirens and the cries of fear behind her,

Lament

By Carol Foss

She heard the wails of the sirens and the cries of fear behind her

But could not turn

She smelled the smoke and dust of plaster, concrete and burnt steel

But could do nothing about it

She wanted to help but was imobile

Day turned into night, night into day

But it had been no dream

Her world had changed and she felt foolish in her tedious garb

And out of touch

What could she do, so numbed by the event

Then she remembered and stretched out her arm

A little bit higher, stronger

Lighting the way if only in symbol.

She'd endured, and would continue

A beacon of liberty and freedom for all to see

For this nation, this people, would survive

She still stands beside the golden door

Lifting her lamp for all to see

Welcoming all those

Who seek Freedom