Murder in Manhattan
Nine years ago on 9/11 - I watched the terrible events at the Twin Towers unfold on live television - like countless others around the globe. I also wrote down my feelings at the time - here's what came out:
Murder in Manhattan
Death came unseen one morning
Out of a beautiful clear blue sky
On friendly wings
Innocent lives snuffed out by fanatics
Kill and be killed
Fundamentalism
Alien to humanity or common sense
Brutal and wicked beyond belief
Shocking, horrible to behold
Beamed live to homes across the world
Loved ones consumed by fireballs
Never to say goodbye
Lost in the rubble or jumping for their lives
Desperate and fearful
How much did they suffer?
Only loss and despair for those left behind
And terrible anger
At the waste of so many lives
Can hope and dignity survive?
To triumph over such barbarism
Provocation and restraint
Honour your dead
Protect your people
Yes, but refuse to become like your enemies
09/11/2001
Murder in Manhattan
Death came unseen one morning
Out of a beautiful clear blue sky
On friendly wings
Innocent lives snuffed out by fanatics
Kill and be killed
Fundamentalism
Alien to humanity or common sense
Brutal and wicked beyond belief
Shocking, horrible to behold
Beamed live to homes across the world
Loved ones consumed by fireballs
Never to say goodbye
Lost in the rubble or jumping for their lives
Desperate and fearful
How much did they suffer?
Only loss and despair for those left behind
And terrible anger
At the waste of so many lives
Can hope and dignity survive?
To triumph over such barbarism
Provocation and restraint
Honour your dead
Protect your people
Yes, but refuse to become like your enemies
09/11/2001