Sad Words From A New York Building

My god, I think I’m hit. A bullet came from nowhere. The pain is so unbearable. It hurts so much, I fear. I fear for you, my brother. What would you do without me? We’ve been standing almost 30 years. We represent what’s free. I’m scared for what’s inside me. These people are my blood. I shout despite my gaping wound. “Rush out me like a flood!” Below me, singing sirens… New York’s pinnacle of safety. I just know with all their efforts They’ll bring hope to this strong country. My brother, hold your stance, As a bullet now flies toward you. What is this act of violence? God help the blood in you. The smoke I cry are tears. My composure, I must keep. Please get these lives right out of me. This wound is just too deep. Oh, my brother, you’ve been hit. Stand stout and just accept To stand as proud as possible, Don’t let that wound infect. Listen in the distance… Increased volume of the crying, Future widows, future orphans? Please tell me no one’s dying. No my brother, not you yet! I see your body diving. Don’t leave me here all by myself. Not while New York is striving. I cry for all Americans. I cry for those ‘cross-sea. I cry for all you wives, With spouse as just a memory. I cry for all you husbands, Who’ll raise your kids alone. Please cherish as a gift, The love that made a home. I’m sorry to the children With their families now broken. Hold those memories very tight. Please keep them as a token. I don’t blame you my brother. For failing to stand tall. So many lives escaped your doors, Before your saddened fall. New York, what can I say? You’re the greatest in this land. I guess I’m just so biased As the leader of this band. My body’s very weary And I feel that I’ve been beat. I pray the lives inside of me Have made it to the street. America the beautiful Will strengthen more than ten-fold. My absence and my brother’s Will be history that’s told I look to Lady Liberty, Whom I’ve saluted every day. I weep the words “God Bless America” As in rubble I will lay. -Russ Riba Written September 22nd, 2001 © on Oct 03 2001 02:02 AM PST   0 • 1