Silence - a poem

Such a fickle creature -- my friend, my foe.

I welcome my friend with open arms when my senses overload.

You envelop me in your blanket of stillness, comforting me.

My protector. My safe harbor.

I control your absence of sound, for me, you are my slave.

And I, I am the master.

Mean-spirited you are, my foe, dark silence.

I quiver at your abrupt entry, startling my senses.

You swoop down, blanking all thought, all consciousness, frightening me.

My fears magnify. My terrors grow.

You control my imagination; I am your unwilling servant.

And you, you are my captor

Silence, are you my friend or foe?

Image credit: sziban / 123RF Stock Photo

I Believe in America - Remember 9/11

I Believe in America

I believe in firefighters that climb 50 flights
of stairs to help people they never met.
I believe in people who give their lives crashing an
airplane to save the lives of people they never met.
I believe in people who give blood, money, and
supplies to aide people they've never met.

I believe in America.

I believe in a country that stands strong and
proud, even in the face of grief and tragedy.
I believe in a country that not only
allows, but encourages and values diversity.
I believe in a country that does not think that
human suffering is "someone else's problem".

I believe in America.

I believe in a country that values freedom so
highly that rather than inhibit an individuals
rights, tragic events can sometimes occur.
I believe in a country that does not allow innocent
people to suffer at the hands of a madman.
I believe in a country that is willing to risk it's own
lives and safety to protect and aide innocent people.

I believe in America.

I believe in a country that does not lash out
quickly or rashly in revenge and retaliation.
I believe in a country that will defend
itself with appropriate means.
I believe in a country whose people will rise
to any challenge, and will stand up and fight
boldly and proudly against it's aggressors.

I believe in America.

by Gregory S. Taylor (c) 2001

This poem was written by my husband from his heart after the attack on 9/11/01. I share it with you today.