I cried salty tears today for all to see

when the American flag was unfurled.

Church members stood up and cried with me

as we sang “America the Beautiful” proudly.

We can never forget the pain and loss we felt

and exactly where we were and what we were

doing on 9/ll/0l – engraved on our hearts forever -

memories of heroes and bravery and grief of all,

lessons we were taught as we lost our innocence

but gaining strength together as a nation,

fighting against enemies for what was right.

As the flag waved freely, we acknowledged that

Old Glory stood valiantly giving us reborn hope.

We held our loved ones to our breasts and renewed

our pride and integrity as we heard an eagle cry

a mournful dirge but hopeful for future, yet.

We felt reborn as we sang, hopefully, “We crowned

thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!"

It was a lonely sorrow cry,

A dark, selfish cry,

Misery cry,

Mockery

'Twas a cry of self pity,

A cry of immobility,

Of inability,

Insanity

I cried a cry of frustration,

A cry of damnation,

Of immolation

Conflagration

I still cry deep down inside,

The place I hide,

Cannot abide,

Suicide