Cry Out

We have long prayed

for the peace of Jerusalem—

city of faiths and fury—

but now we all are in Jerusalem.

As twin towers crumbled,

their rubble became

stones to expand the walls

out around the whole world

for which we now

cry our ancient prayer—

peace, peace. 

Break Forth

Forest fires ravage

all green that stands.

Flaming heat bursts

seeds long dormant

as ancient life forms

rise from ashes.

Terror struck two towers

down to asphalt;

from the rubble

valor, sacrifice

and tender mercy

sprang more lush.

Doing Our Job

No innocent civilians Osama says,

so we have all been drafted into service.

Armed with courage, we march forward determined

to chart our business ventures, deliver mail,

clean tower windows, plan high school graduations,

live our lives in full not fear.

We also fight by continuing to play,

singing together of peanuts and cracker jack

or equipped with pictures for our seatmate

flying to see a  new grandchild.

Our heroes said they were just doing their job

and so must we.

Anne Grizzle is a social worker in Houston, TX.