In taking time to pause & remember all the souls who we lost when America was attacked. I really can’t imagine it has already been nineteen years since New York City was attacked by airplanes flying into buildings on September 11, 2001.
Truly an unbelievable day and one marked in our mind and held in our hearts forever.
First, I would like to share a poem by Emerson who writes on the strength of a nation being its people.
Side Note: I have taken the liberty of making a word change where Emerson exclusively used the word “man”. Although I understand that in his time this word’s meaning might have been framed as an all inclusive word it really stands out to me as being so limiting in its scope.
A Nation’s Strength
- by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Not gold, but only “we” can make
A people great and strong:
“We” who, for truth and honor’s sake,
Stand fast and suffer long.
Brave “people” who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly —
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky!
Second, I would like to share my writing from 2016 that frames my thinking of why and where we are going as a nation?
Questions For You & Me
- By Joanie Roberts
Who are we together?
Who are the dying?
Who do we stop to take care of?
What if we pray an unceasing prayer?
What if we embrace love and peace?
What does history say?
Here ~
Where there is grief and tears Where there is disaster and devastation Where there is death and nothing but ruins
Why are we here again and again?
Why do we fear and blame each other?
Why do we judge others so harshly?
When do we move from the heart?
When do we say enough is enough?
When do we let go of this fear and pain?
How are we getting to a better place?
How are we still so divided?
How are we choosing our answers?
Shadowleaves on Lake Ann 