For everyone still searching for closure over the last 11 years...

i turned
my back
on this tragedy
this empty hole
in the ground
yet do not
turn away
for in doing so
you forsake me
i face
the wailing wall
to honor
those fallen
i beg you
do the same
for in doing so
you honor me
and also
remember
those who have
survived
their lives
are to be
honored
i was there
at 9:02
i felt
your pain
i smelled
the smoke
debris
crushed
my flesh, too
i was
with you
through it all
i held you
i listened
i am here now
your continuing comfort
gaze no longer
upon this
empty place
look to heaven
and your father
do not forget
the past
it brought
you together
and closer
to me
but do
not linger
for i know
your future
i know what good
will befall you
i am in
constant prayer
for you
i grant you peace
safety
and understanding
i am here
in this marble facade
but do not
place your trust here
do not
give yourself
to the abyss
fall
to your knees
and you
will rise
as i lift you
with my prayers
i watch
as you stand
before me now
eyes red
and overflowing
weep
no more
for you do so
in vain
my tears
have cleansed
and freed you
do not
give in
to despair
for i remain
with you
i leave
with you
my spirit
a spirit
of truth
of peace
a spirit
of hope
you will
be able
to face
your future
the road ahead
is rough
and i
will carry you
as i
always have
i will shoulder
your burden
endure
your loss
your faith
in me
in the truth
shall set
you free
free
from the past
free from
your pain
free
to live
and remember
those fallen
i will
heal
your wounds
i will
ease
your pain
i will
hear
your cries
i will
dry
your tears
you will
be comforted
your prayers
will
be answered
the spirit
i have promised
will lead you
as you pray
i must go
i must continue
with my work
your place
must be prepared
i shall return
and give eternity to you
you've heard it said
that "Jesus wept"
i assure
this is true
for I am
the Son of God
I was there
and wept
with you

jdh 3/27/99; 4/21/99