From Remembrance to Hope

By: Larry Bethune

As the soot and dirt and ash of 9/11 rained down,we became one color.
As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning buildings, we became one class.
As we lit candles of waiting and hope, we became one generation.
As the firefighters and police fought their way into the inferno, we became one gender.
As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength, we became one faith.
As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement, we spoke one language.
As we gave our blood, we became one body.
As we mourned together the great loss, we became one family.
As we cried tears of grief and loss, we became one soul.
As we retell of the sacrifice, we become one people.