This is Rosanne Catalano's tribute poem to New York City after the 9/11 tragedy.

Manhattan at Night
by Rosanne Catalano

Years ago 42nd Street at night made you
weep; neon signs and x-rated lights
to greet those not wise to pornography
A city that never sleeps and buildings
stuck together as if they were holding
tight to one another

If not careful the predators came out
at night to take away your innocence
for they were malevolence
Now we have God on our side to shine
His brilliant light upon the evil one;
the devil we can beat

Manhattan at night also has its
Broadway lights and stars
to be seen as they perform their
magical fantasies
Oh what a wonderland Manhattan is
with names all lit up for all to see
Making our Father above happy as can
be...
for all His children are
hard at play and busy as bees
He now gives us love and brightness
to shine down on the fiendish side
of life

During a time of tragedy
all the people of Manhattan
came together to help one another
So God now shines two of His lights
on Manhattan at night for all eternity.


c. February 14, 2005 Rosanne Catalano