Lament
By Carol Foss
Copyright Carol Foss 2001
She heard the wails of the sirens and the cries of fear behind her
But could not turn
She smelled the smoke and dust of plaster, concrete and burnt steel
But could do nothing about it
She wanted to help but was imobile
Day turned into night, night into day
But it had been no dream
Her world had changed and she felt foolish in her tedious garb
And out of touch
What could she do, so numbed by the event
Then she remembered and stretched out her arm
A little bit higher, stronger
Lighting the way if only in symbol.
She'd endured, and would continue
A beacon of liberty and freedom for all to see
For this nation, this people, would survive
She still stands beside the golden door
Lifting her lamp for all to see
Welcoming all those
Who seek Freedom