The aftermath of 9/11

No ‘Phoenix from the ashes,’

they were birds of steel,

filled with hateful intentions:

two objects aimed to kill.

 

Long after eulogies were said:

guilt, anguish, recriminations soundly put to bed…

cherished memories floated on battered minds

that lifted the spirits and a kind

 

of healing process then began,

Dry-eyed, the well was spent –

a funny limerick was found…

a loving note he meant to send.

 

A breeze-borne waft of jasmine –

and she is there –

a burnished copper leaf

reminds you of her hair

 

A favourite walk, café, a tune…

memories held so dear.

You pray that time will not prune

too much and leave the futile fear

that one day the memory of their

earthly presence will all but disappear.

 

But fear not –

for while you still live,

in your heart loved ones live on too

and will always: forever, be a part of you.

 

© Joy Lennick 2018

Picture copyright: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo