I sit in front of my TV
I can't believe my eyes
A tragedy has rocked America
it's cost so many lives.

All programs are suspended
as they televise LIVE news
That terrorists have attacked
in hijacked planes they flew.

I just stare in disbelief
at the footage they replay
As the plane flies into the building
earlier that day.

I see the vast explosion
as smoke fills the sky
Knowing with a heavy heart
that many people died.

I can almost feel the anguish
as my eyes fill with tears
The knowledge that this attack
could begin our worst fears.

They are saying on the TV
the damage that's been done
Is now the worst attack since
Pearl Harbour in '41.

The President says they will respond
it's just a matter of when,
But how many lives will it take
to bring it to an end?

Already so many innocent
have suffered at the hands
Of those who think that war will solve
the problems of our lands.

But how much damage has to be done,
how many lives need end?
Before the score is even ~
how much better are we then?

For violence begets violence
and hate begets hate
Will there ever be peace on earth
before it's too late?

So please, let's stop the hatred
the anger and the fear
Let's teach each other how to love
and look beyond the tears.

For what we teach our children
is what they always see
If we hate, they will hate
it's how they grow to be.

And as I sit and watch the news
and see the heartbreak
I know love will lift them higher
only if they choose to take.

But I can only pray that
God will bless their lives
And hope that all this violence ends,
and no more have to die.

©  Christina
18th September, 2001
 

"I have written two other poems on the horrific New York tragedy, but this one is how I feel about it all.   My thoughts, fears and prayers.   What else can I say?  These words say it all ~ how I feel about the tragedy, the possible response from the USA and the ultimate consequences of it all....   The US is the land of the free, though unfortunately no one will be if this becomes a war.  This is MY plea, my prayer for peace."

I was sent this border in the wake of this tragedy and thought it fitting for this poem.