There’s a stillness,
a stillness in my soul.
Yet, my body is restless,
charged with inscribed wariness.

(It seems impossible
that three short years ago
I could die, and still be alive…)

There’s a breathlessness,
a can’t-quite-breath stickiness
in my throat. A lump of flesh,
crushed and fuging, awaiting me.

(It seemed improbable
that four planes would murder
millions of souls, and minds…)

There’s an inadequacy,
a how-can-this-be shakiness
in my stomach. A pound of flesh
flayed and quivering, disintegrating me.

(It seems incidental
that hope-of-equality isn’t equal,
destruction is only a stillness away…)

There’s an answer,
a hare-brained-scheme emerging,
capturing my soul. Our minds, enfleshed,
have potential to rule, with godliness.

Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen
© Copyright 9/10/04

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Last year's 9/10 poem.

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If I Should Die Before I Wake

I am afraid to sleep tonight.
(now i lay me down to weep)
I am afraid of darkest blight.
(i pray the Lord my soul to keep)
I feel the hate of manic zeal.
(if i should die before i wake)
I hate to know that it is real.
(i pray the Lord my soul to take)

I want to see the world tomorrow.
(now i lay me down to hope)
I want to see my children grow.
(i pray to God that i can cope)
I am afraid of falling planes.
(i want to live in yesterday)
I am afraid of frenzied reigns.
(i want to put my fears away)

I ache to know my family’s safe.
(now i lay my heart down deep)
I feel someday we’ll find relief.
(i pray the Lord my soul to keep)
I crave a sign of human trust.
(if i should live till morning’s light)
Killing innocence is so unjust.
(i pray to God we clear our sight)

Erin Moen
9/10/03
Copyright 2003 ©