I composed the first part of this poem while biking to work this morning. It is based on "The Star-Spangled Banner" and should be singable to the same tune, although I used a different rhyming pattern. It obviously refers to the terrible attacks made by terrorists in the United States on September 11, 2001. I would also like to direct readers to the original lyrics of the U.S. national anthem, especially the third verse. Remembering that the words were written during a battle, I think they apply equally well to us this week as we vow to defend ourselves against further acts of terror.
The Banner Yet Waves
O say, can you see, through the blackness of night,
Under billowing smoke, do the fires yet burn bright?
Beneath tons of crushed steel and the choking thick dust,
Our brothers and sisters by the hundreds were all lost.
And the country stood 'round, in our shock not a sound,
As people and planes and buildings crashed to ground.
But still does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
On the shores of New York, where Liberty stands,
The plotters delivered the evil they had planned.
And at our Capitol, the symbolic head,
To teach us their rage, they showed madness instead.
Through the horror and flames, the blind heroes then came
Despite their own fears, to rescue those in pain.
And still does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
All the countries of Earth from afar vigil kept
While the blue planet turned and the people wept.
Then most vowed with us to stamp out this blot,
And woe to him who protects or supplies aught.
And to all those who danced, we recall in advance
What actions you took when given this dark chance.
For still does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Though I share this work with you all, I ask that you respect my copyright.