Always We Remember/September Lullaby

Always we remember.  Every few years, it seems appropriate to reprint this selection written shortly after the devastation of September 11 2001, and eventually published in  my New York Reader (Sleeping Bear Press). In this present moment of loss, uncertainty and fear, it seems fitting for me to post today. 

September 11, 2001 started out as a beautiful fall day It was sunny, bright and full of promise. By midmorning everything changed. Darkness filled the sky and smoke billowed through the streets of lower Manhattan, Two hijacked planes had purposely crashed into the landmark skyscrapers known as the Twin Towers. Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters, police, paramedics, and other brave New Yorkers, thousands of people died. 

Where are the stars on this dark, dark, night?

Where is their tiny twinkling light?

Where is the music?

Where is the song?

Where are the colors?

Something is wrong.

Sometimes stars hide in the clouds,

and their light seems far away.

Sometimes voices are hushed and still,

and the rainbow fades to gray.

Sometimes the world is topsy-turvy,

and nobody really knows why;

Sometimes sad things happen,

and even grown-ups cry.

But always, my child, always,

you are safe here in my arms.

The world may be topsy-turvy,

but I will shelter you from harm.

Always the stars are twinkling,

even when clouds hide their light.

I promise you voices will sing again,

and colors will again shine bright.

I promise there is always tomorrow

for starlight and rainbows and song;

My love will always surround you

unchanged, unbroken, and strong.”