Murder in Manhattan


As I watched the terrible events in New York on 9/11 2001 - l wrote down my feelings at the time and here is 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



Mark Irvine
September 11 2001

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