Coping.org: Tools for Coping with Life's Stressors

Coping with the 9.11.01 Aftermath

Dying Words From A New York Tower

...written from the point of view of the first tower which was struck on 9-11

...as if the actual building could speak

 

By: Russ Riba, 2001

 

 

My god, I think I'm hit.

A bullet came from nowhere.

The pain is so unbearable.

It hurts so much, I fear.

 

I fear for you, my brother.

What would you do without me?

We've been standing almost 30 years.

We represent what's free.

 

I'm scared for what's inside me.

These people are my blood.

I shout despite my gaping wound.

"Rush out me like a flood!"

 

Below me, singing sirens...

New York's pinnacle of safety.

I just know with all their efforts  

They'll bring hope to this strong country.

 

My brother, hold your stance,

As a bullet flies toward you.

What is this act of violence?

God help the blood in you.

 

The smoke I cry are tears.

My composure, I must keep.

Please get these lives right out of me.

This wound is just too deep.

 

Oh, my brother, you've been hit.

Stand stout and just accept

To stand as proud as possible,

Don't let that wound infect.

 

Listen in the distance...

Increased volume of the crying,

Future widows, future orphans?

Please tell me no one's dying.

 

No my brother, not you yet!

I see your body diving.

Don't leave me here all by myself.

Not while New York is striving.

 

I cry for all Americans.

I cry for those 'cross-sea.

I cry for all you wives,

Your spouse is just a memory.

 

I cry for all you husbands,

Who'll raise your kids alone.

Please cherish as a gift,

The love that made a home.

 

I'm sorry to the children

With their families now broken.

Hold those memories very tight.

Please keep them as a token.

 

I don't blame you my brother.

For failing to stand tall.

So many lives escaped your doors,

Before your saddened fall.

 

New York, what can I say?

You're the greatest in this land.

I guess I'm just so biased

As the leader of this band.

 

My body's very weary

And I feel that I've been beat.

I pray the lives inside of me 

Have made it to the street.

 

America the beautiful

Will strengthen more than ten-fold.

My absence and my brother's

Will be history that's told

 

I look to Lady Liberty,

For my last time today.

I weep the words "God Bless America"

As in rubble I will lay.

 

You can contact Russ Riba at DigitalAudioDesign@earthlink.net

 

BACK TO THE MEMORIAL PAGE

BACK to Coping with the 9.11.01 Aftermath

HOME

 

 


Coping.org is a Public Service of James J. Messina, Ph.D. & Constance M. Messina, Ph.D.,  Email: jjmess@tampabay.rr.com  ©1999-2007 James J. Messina, Ph.D. & Constance Messina, Ph.D.  Note: Original materials on this site may be reproduced for your personal, educational, or noncommercial use as long as you credit the authors and website.