These memories are as strong as the day I wrote this poem. 11 September 2001

America, the beautiful, stands proud and tall, a solid foundation, never to crumble and fall. The World Trade Center's skyline, Tuesday Morn, sun shining over its magnificent forms, like a new day waiting, for a new life to be born. Innocent people bustle in
busy New York Streets, unaware of the tragedy they're about to meet.

No one aware, the terrorist were embarking planes, to destroy America, try to bring "Her" down in shame. The first plane hits like a tornado sucks in its prey, destroying its victims and things in it way. The second one, slams through another tower, as a mighty propelled missile with explosive power.

Not knowing, a third attack is making its round, into our Capitol to attack the Pentagon, to burn it down. To weaken our Military Defense like a mighty storm wipes a city from the earth with only sounds. But, America, America, She won't fall down. She's up; She's fighting, and She's tall and proud.

The news announces, "A fourth plane is down," somewhere in a Pennsylvania town. A caller, from the plane, gets out the news; passengers will rush the terrorist to deter their moves, it's headed in a path of destruction; maybe, The White House, Camp David, The Capitol or the Pentagon, no one knows its true target at this time.

We heard our "President," was a target too, fear not, "Dear President," we stand with "You". Terrorist may storm our mighty shores, to destroy strong cities built by American's hands and beat the paths of this great land. They'll not defeat us, no matter how hard they try, American's are willing to fight and to die.

Terrorist brought ruins, loss of lives to our Homeland, we'll work to rebuild, hand in hand, we're a nation who will not be brought down by a bunch of terrorist entering our towns. We mourn the loss of "American Lives," pray God to grant us strength in our strife.

America, America, won't be brought down; She's Up; She's fighting, She's strong and She's proud.

I'm proud to be an American.

Copyright.2001 Barbara Ann Smith