a flower, a symbol of beauty lost, personal suffering, of love for mankind,
to say I am with you, America, in my thoughts and deeds.
I am with you, America, for your every need.
Across the world, I lit a candle and I held it high
to shine into infinity and to signify
that I care, and cry, and want the universe to know that this solitary soul will remember
those fateful hours when the sky had no light,
but was shrouded by a symbolic choking cloak of deadly night.
When mankind held back tears of anger and hoped beyond all hope
that somewhere in this darkness one would help to fight
the tyranny of hatred seen in this unbearable sight.
Across the world, I held my flag and waved it ever so high.
With magic eyes I peered into the universal sky
and saw America's flag unfurled, held by many hands.
Now a rally symbol for those who gallantly stand on a lazy day of summer late,
giving hope that the echoes of freedom's chants will seal Tyranny's fate.
(Written in memory of those who lost their lives in the Attack on America September 11, 2001 after seeing photographic expressions of sympathy from across the world )
Kathryn M. Ridlehoover 9/15/2001
