Comment from chesli

Excellent

How very sweet and compassionate of you to write something like this. It reinforces the fact that it's not just Americans sticking together in tragedy - it's the world! Just as it should be. Wonderful poem - wouldn't change a thing.

 Comment Written 13-Sep-2008

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reply by the author on 13-Sep-2008

chesli, we must ALL stick together in times like this. Australia has always fought beside America and as far as I'm concerned, this loyalty must continue for world peace. I'm glad you enjoyed this and saw where I was coming from with it, so thanks so much for your review and stars! xoxoxoxoxo

Comment from joan marie

Excellent

I love the use of repitition of the first verse and the last. I think it gives more impact to this poem. I don't know if I told you, I know someone that was in the Air Force stationed at the pentagon that day. I have listened to her talk about it. But what breaks my heart is that there are children to whom this is a normal event. I can't comprehend what that must be like. I tried to watch some of the specials but the emotions I have about this were to overwhelming. I pray for the children in the eastern European and middle east countries. joan marie

 Comment Written 12-Sep-2008

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reply by the author on 13-Sep-2008

My daughter was only 7 when she watched this on the news, so she's one of those chidren who 'thought' this was normal for life on earth also. I'm with you on the specials bit. I find it hard to watch them myself; it's such a catastrophic event and I feel documentaries, etc, don't do it moral justice really. Like you, I pray for the children in those regions, although aftrer my husband returned from Iraq, he told me their attitude to life is like that of any other children. In the middle of bombs and poverty, they still play and giggle. I've a photo of him with some of them and it always makes me want to cry when I see it, it's such a beautiful shot. But who on earth knew about 'hope' in the middle of the Iraqi war? Only those like me whose spouses were fighting over there. We only ever see the death and 'newsworthy' crap.

I thank you for a thoughtful review and appreciate your comments and the stars. Bless you xoxoxoxoxo

reply by joan marie on 13-Sep-2008

I often just cry when I see what people do to other people or animals. We had a guy arrested for dog fighting. There were a lot of injured animals. There is a show call Dogtown on Animal Planet channel. I can't watch it, but those dogs are being cared for and people are beginning to adopt them. My cat Dabney runs from me most of the time scared. But he is safe and has food and clean water(I have brother too) Once in a great while he'll sleep on my bed and let me rub his belly. I wish I could take pic of the adoration mixed with fear in his eyes. I let him do his thing. The only thing I would change is he talks a lot and very loudly! When he wants something he gets it. I write about those two a lot.

I tried to write about 9/11 but kept thinking about my air force friend that was stationed at pentagon. I couldn't find words to portray the emotion she feels.

I loved the baby pic. Got some good nature today. Lake has 2 new sets of ducklings. I was laying by the pool and you know how you get the feeling someone's watching you? There was 10 sets of turtle eyes staring at the porch waiting for me to feed them. Doesn't take much to put a smile on my face.

Had tough day. Lots of pain. But the pool and sun help a lot. Gonna hit the sack. Gotta reply to Craigslist guy who wants to take me out. Thought I would start dating again. Probably stupid idea but I think young.

I don't know what time it is there. It is 10pm here Saturday night and got scary movie to watch. My secret obsession. Ha Ha.

joan marie

reply by the author on 13-Sep-2008

Go for it joan, both the date and the 9/11 poem. If we never wrote something because we were afraid of expressing not enough or too much, there'd be no poetry. Write from your vantage point. Write about her feelings from what you've heard her say about it. But make it yours, not hers and you'll be right.

Those turtles sound like a sweet sight, and bravo to you for rescuing that poor frightened cat. He'd be seeing which side his bread's buttered on now, even if he is still afraid.

Good on you for rescuing these creatures. Now enjoy that date and write that poem. xoxoxoxoxoxo

reply by joan marie on 13-Sep-2008

Thanks for the encouraging words. Gotta post some of my Why Did I Ever Start Dating Again? stuff. Sorry about the soapbox. I just want to help them all. We took the cat from the guy across the street who leaves up to 3 large dogs in his garage. He leaves the door open about 4 inches. Several of the neighbors and I have called police on him and Animal Services. He only has one dog now and it's in the house. He asked us to feed his cat while on vacation. Said cat didn't like to be indoors and hardly ever came in to eat. That cat sleeps all day in our house. He has just stopped overeating because it's sunk in he'll get food on a regular basis. When you pet him (Clyde, mom has cat Buddi so Buddi & Clyde Ha Ha) Said cat was a pig. I said no doubt doesn't know when he'll get fed again. He doesn't talk to me anymore. Couldn't care less. Going call it a night. I get on the computer and don't want to turn it off. joan marie

Comment from mmichelle97219

Excellent

I remember seeing this and thinking oMG its happening again. A few years before this a bomber placed bombs under the child care center of a federal building in Oklahoma City and killed over 5000 people. terrorist come in all colors and we should never let our gaurd down. I thought this poem was very good.
Michelle

 Comment Written 12-Sep-2008

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reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008

Thanks Michelle. This is a day embedded in my memory for always. Whether it happens in your own country or elsewhere, an event this big affects everyone who witnesses it. Watching those towers come down represented the archaic attitudes of warlords crumbling down as well to me. Even though war has still raged since then, I always cling to the belief that all things get worse before changing for the better.

Again, thanks so much for stopping by my friend. My thoughts are with you and your countrymen today. xoxoxoxoxoxo

Comment from Kit Minden

Excellent

Thank you for still standing with us, even though our leader has made it so difficult. I was fortunate to lose no one close and to be able to locate each one who was missing by the end of the day. My students were not so lucky, as they worked for a local branch of one of the firms who lost everyone that was in the NY branch of the company. I have other friends who lost someone dear. Change is in the wind. Kit

 Comment Written 12-Sep-2008

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reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008

Change IS in the wind Kit. I hold this belief very tightly. I believe the Towers coming down represented the stranglehold of warring leaders shattering, however slowly. I thank you for stopping by and for your positive comments here. All is not lost, nor will it ever be. xoxoxoxoxoxo

reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008

Always, Australia stands with America, regardless of what your Leader/s may stupidly do. Change IS in the wind Kit. I hold this belief very tightly. I believe the Towers coming down represented the stranglehold of warring leaders shattering, however slowly. I thank you for stopping by and for your positive comments here. All is not lost, nor will it ever be. xoxoxoxoxoxo

Comment from SHAHEND

Excellent

As everyone I am sure this has been on my mind all day, the most I could do was light candles and say a prayer for all those left behind, The most important thing though was that we did remember, A beautiful tribute, and a reminder not to forget all those other war heroes who fight everyday for all americans, to keep that wonderful thing we call freedom. Well Done, and Thank You from all americans everywhere, Blessings, Sharon

 Comment Written 12-Sep-2008

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reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008

Thank you so much Sharon. Your review leaves a lump in my throat and a feeling that I've achieved what I set out to do with this poem. I will always remember September 11 and the effect it had on me. I can't imagine what it would feel like to have something this hugely serious happen in my own country, so as the poem says, I grieve and remember with all of you in America from my home here in Australia. Bless you all and again, thanks for an excellent review xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Comment from Nightwind1

Excellent

Very touching view of the events of 9/11. Your poetry hits home very nicely. I remember people contacting me all day, warning me not to go out, not to cover my hair ( I am a convert Muslim). I was leaving that day on my honeymoon with my now ex. On 9/11, the world changed forever. Those men hijacked not only those plans but they hijacked my religion. I was hit three-fold. Two of my cousins worked in the Pentagon. My family had to tell 2 little girls why mommy and daddy were never coming home again.

 Comment Written 12-Sep-2008

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reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008

Gawd, what a load you got dumped with! You know, I cna remember saying to people not to judge a nation by the actions of a few. People can be so judgmental and sometimes downright stupid in their reactions. My husband served in Iraq for 7 months and he totally loved working with the Iraqi's and admired their tenacity and dedication to country and family. We are all the same. Every nation, every religious creed. The sooner we all realise that, the sooner peace will come.

I thank you very much for your thoughtful review and I am sorry for what you suffered after 9/11; it's unfair and extreme, but sadly what happens at times because of (said) stupidity. What a downright shame about your cousins too. This day must put you on an emotional roller coaster... Again, thanks so much xoxoxoxoxo

Comment from earthlybeing

Excellent

Oh my what a beautiful poem and wonderfully worded words of pure wisdom. You are so correct we need to all stand up and demand peace. Thanks, Jeanette

 Comment Written 12-Sep-2008

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reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008

Thanks so much Jeanette. I can never forget that day, nor will I let myself forget it. Each year on September 12 (here in Australia at least) I send out a private, silent prayer of rememberance. Bless you all over there. As said in my notes, we here, remember xoxoxoxoxoxo

Comment from Shari_K

Excellent

I was not directly affected however, I think in a way we all were no matter where we were at. You've written an excellent poem on remembering that day. I have read a couple other's today and I think in your poem the reader can actually feel the loss, the sorrow and the pain of that day. Your poem flows nicely and structured very well. A fitting picture to match as well. Great job!

 Comment Written 12-Sep-2008

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reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008

I'm glad you liked this Shari. It's a day none of us can forget, how ever we were affected. I appreciate your comments and review, and thank you very much for stopping by xoxoxoxoxoxo

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

Ah, if only everyone received the message you received - a reason to change our warring ways - instead, our government started a war over it that has killed thousands and thousands of people just as innocent as those who were in the towers.
Your poem is thoughtful and beautiful, especially coming from someone who is not American. Thank you for your gracious remembrance.

 Comment Written 12-Sep-2008

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reply by the author on 12-Sep-2008

All countries were affected by this, but none as deeply as America. I remember watching Wall Street come back up less than a week after the Towers collapsed and I was in awe at the spirit and determination of a nation that should have been crushed.

Thanks so much for your review adew. I really appreciate your comments, the stars and what you said about 'gracious rememberance'. As said in my notes, I can never forget that day, nor will I let myself forget. xoxoxoxoxoxo