I wasn’t going to post much along the lines of this unfortunate anniversary, partly because I knew I couldn’t add to the grand discourse on the subject. That, and I find many of the statements being carved out on 9/11 are in tones that I wouldn’t want to duplicate on my worst day. So, to avoid sounding like a partisan idiot, a conspiracy theorist or a 21st century internet philosopher, I decided to abstain from waxing eloquent about the greatest domestic tragedy of my lifetime. At least that’s what I meant to do.

But I couldn’t sleep this morning, so I pulled out an old draft of a poem I’d been writing a few years ago. I won’t pretend to speak to the grand truths of tragedies like 9/11; I just wanted to offer this vague, personal remembrance. I figured it was about time to send a small tribute:

Manahawkin,
on the way
to the shore
on sunny days.
We were walkin’
‘cross the sand;
never saw it slippin’
through our hands.
Twilight talkin’
on the beach,
while our dreams were all
still within reach.

Manahawkin,
William Cook
Boulevard -
you made me look
as I was drivin’
out your way,
I was wonderin’
whatever became

of you,
but I recall

Manahawkin,
was the way
to the shore
on a sunny day,
but Manahawkin
never stays;
the more I strain, the
more you fade away.

-for K.S.
Some more remembrances can be found at 2,996. And for simple emotional response, this poignant expression from Gigglechick. And a list of locals with thoughts is up at Philly Future.

Also, if you are so inclined, you can view the film 7 Days in September via Google Video

Tags: memories, 9/11