Ten Years Later by Tatiana Pahlen

Ten Years Later
By Tatiana Pahlen

Ten years has past since 9/11 horror:
burning bodies jumping from the heights,
melting metals of twin towers,
Crushing the living souls inside.

The slaughter of the first responder units
Heroic, selfless men in uniform
Courageous firemen, police, bystanders,
climbing up the smoldering floors.

Dispatched were men from the Port Authority,
rushed to the rescue to sacrifice themselves,
they dashed inside while the lucky ones ran out,
covered with blood, ash and dust.

This patriotic act yielded the highest honor:
trapped in rubble most heroes died in vain.
The grief extends to the one and only Chaplain
beloved by many, Mychal Judge.

I’ve had the blessing of knowing his twin sister:
Exuberant, vivacious, sharp.
She stoically accepted tragedy,
Her name is Dympna Jessich Judge.

That day I lost a friend from Morgan Stanley,
SVP, Lindsay Herkness III, a true bon vivant,
who had a chance to flee but stood fast
Remaining calm, he recalled the blast in ninety-three.

Memorial was tearful in the Cathedral
for the additional six perished employees.
I made a shrine from Morgan Stanley’s permit (to attend the service),
adorned by Lindsay’s whimsical three Christmas cards.

Ten years has past to mark the horror
No firemen allowed on the site,
Nor clergymen, nor Port Authority,
Nor those respondents who dug and risked their lives.

The organizers banned essential figures
What kind of ceremony devoid of Chaplains and Prelate?
They tarnished the memory of Father Mychal,
Most mourners prayed heartily in despite.

The Ground Zero’s gathering was somber
I stood when Lindsay’s name was called.
My eyes were swollen from tears and anger
No men were welcome in uniform.