The Pile: A Tribute to the Fallen Heroes of 9/11

My brothers' souls are here

Beneath the pile at my feet.

I draw nearer to the candle,

My tears extinguishing its delicate flame.

My heart is heavy

With the burden of surviving.

One question always on my mind.

Why wasn't I there in time?

They tell me I'm the lucky one,

But I think they are wrong.

Luck is a relative term,

Looking into your fallen brother's eyes.

The flag still flies next to me,

Where we placed it that day.

A stark reminder to the world,

America - the strong - the brave.

My brothers' souls are here,

Beneath the pile at my feet.

As we pull them free, I pray

Please God, hold them close as they sleep.

Patty Schramm © 1/19/02