We

	As the soot and dirt and ash rained down,
	We became one color. As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning building.
	We became one class. As we lit candles of waiting and hope,
	We became one generation. As the firefighters and police officers fought their way into the inferno.
	We became one gender. As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength.
	We became one faith. As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement.
	We spoke one language. As we gave our blood in lines a mile long.
	We became one body. As we mourned together the great loss.
	We became one family. As we cried tears of grief and loss.
	We became one soul. As we re-tell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes.
	We become one people.
	We are: One color One class One generation One gender One faith One language One body One family One soul One people
	We are The Power of One.
	We are United.
	We are America.

Cheryl Sawyer, a professor at UH Clear Lake in the Counseling Dept., published in the Mothers & More Newsletter, 10/01.

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