Tribute

(Witnessed on the flight deck of the Aircraft Carrier Midway, 9/11/10)

After the color guards and the ritual salute,
There is the calling of names.
343 responding firefighters died that day,
It’s nine years, still there is a catch in the naming.

After each name there is the tolling.
A bell, that on another day would summon
A rush to rapidly descent the fire pole,
Today commemorates the loss.

300 of us gathered
On the bow of the flight deck
With flags of every state crackling in tribute
To bear witness.

Memories of that day echo
In the voices of the name readers
Long after the speeches fade
Into a tired salute to heros.

Widows and fatherless teenagers
Burdened with the madness
That cleaved their lives.
Stand tall and hold back tears,