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I discovered a poem I wrote on September 22, 2001 so I thought I’d share it:
*********************
~ THEY HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN ~
If we see life a bit clearer and appreciate its beauty
and glory alongside its horror and sorrow ~
They have not died in vain.
If we’ve reached out to those we love and
opened our hearts a bit more in trust ~
They have not died in vain.
If we’ve learned beyond a doubt that politics and religion
can be dividers of people as well as reconcilers of people ~
They have not died in vain
If we now know that God’s grace and love resides in the
hearts of individuals regardless of race, creed or country ~
They have not died in vain.
Freedom or fear; Love or fear; Courage or fear ~
Everyday battles fought in everyday lives.
If we can believe that the way we live our lives;
The way we treat each other;
And the way we respond to hatred and evil
will bring about change in this world ~
Then they have not died in vain.
~ Mary Lou ~
♥
(Dedicated to the Victims and Families of September 11, 2001)
Photo by Thomas E. Franklin, The Record (Bergen County, NJ)
This is a very powerful poem, Mary Lou. It is also an urgent reminder for us not to lose the insights that were so painfully wrought. Thank you for sharing this.
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I felt compelled to write it at the time. So much shock and sorrow. Thank you for your thoughts on it.
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For nice Mary Lou. Your poem brings to mind what someone else said about wishing we could go back to Sept.12 2001 where everyone loved everyone no matter race color or creed.
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Yes, I wrote it on the 22nd so those feelings were still there …. a lot of unity.
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Beautiful. Thanks for sharing, Mary Lou.
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Thanks Christie! 🙂
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A beautiful tribute Mary Lou and I remember where I was when it happened. We just couldn’t believe something as horrifying could happen in America and it certainly prompted tighter security measures in Australia. Thank you for sharing with us at #MLSTL and no they did not die in vain. xx
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I was living in NJ at the time right across near the GW Bridge. I’ll never forget. The poem was a way for me to express my shock and sorrow. Thanks for sharing Sue!
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Beautifully said Mary Lou – it’s all about choosing the positive in any horrible situation – that way it wasn’t all for nothing and evil doesn’t win. #MLSTL and shared on my SM
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Thank you for sharing Leanne! Good conquers evil and we need to search for the good. 🙂
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What a beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing this. Lovely. #MLSTL
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It is a part of my Midlife experience so I wanted to share it with #MLSTL bloggers. Thank you!
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What a beautiful poem! I visited the NYC memorial but could not bring myself to go into the museum – we were short on time and I know I would have wanted to give it adequate emotional time – however, the memorial was a peaceful and fitting reminder of a terrible event and I’m really glad I had the privilege of being there to better comprehend what went on that day.
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I lived right across the Hudson River from where it happened. I’ve retired to Virginia and most likely will not return. So traumatic. 😦
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Very touching! I will definitely save to re-read each year. May we never forget … and they did not die in vain.
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I hope they haven’t died in vain Molly. Sometimes it seems to have changed our country in negative ways.
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We all had and still have our ways of dealing with 9/11 and what it did to our world. I can no longer watch the special TV shows about it but I’ll always honor the memories of those we lost that day. One of my treasured possessions is a book about the search dogs who worked the “pile” with their handlers. I plan to visit the memorials in both NYC and PA someday. Thanks, Mary Lou! #MLSTL
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I don’t think I can visit the NYC museum. Same thing with the Vietnam War Memorial in DC. I agree that the emotion gets overwhelming.
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Hubs absolutely will NOT visit the Vietnam Memorial, either. Too many unpleasant memories for him.
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😦
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This is beautiful. I have shared on my social media!
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Thank you so much Michele!
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Pingback: Me in the Middle ~ 9/11 Poem - Life Redesign 101
Speechless…thank you for sharing. #MLSTL visitor (shared on SM)
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Thank you Donna! The only time I write poetry is when I’m speechless and can’t find the words. This was one of those times back in 2001. ❤
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