I find it hard to concentrate
 finding a path worn from
 my haven downstairs to the stark
 reality of what plays on the little
 screen upstairs - terrorism on US soil.
 Each image  each piece of information
 grinds into me like the shards
 that must have flown  from the debris
 like harbingers of death  pinning me
 where I stand  naked and weakened
 the truth that this big old world can be filled
 with more than just a happy face and the
 tired phrase, 'have a nice day.'
 Looking out into a sea of faces  different colours
 different shapes and sizes
 it's hard for me to remember that some
 are masks held up before faces twisted 
 by hatred and zealotry
 their truth swimming 
 beneath the waves of humanity.
 September came silently  peacefully  smiling
 sunshine waves on an every day day.
 As sirens came calling and black replaced blue
 those smiling mask faces were ripped away.
 I grew up today as the death toll rose.
 No more the innocent life I used to live where
 life was seen through the eyes of a child.
 A cry of terror  for terror  by terror  filled my ears
 and through the din was found this truth  
 we are but one people
 with hopes and dreams of freedom.
 
 (c) Trish Shields
 091101