September

I remembered to lock my door today

I am shaking inside and
weak in the knees
Two giants were injured
heads slumped at
the shoulders
joints buckled
and crumbled

I watched as something
that never should have
happened
and I had to continue
getting ready
~for work

Taking out my wearisome
outfit ~ I put on
undergarments of hurt
a skirt of sadness
my blouse of grief
and slid my feet into
loss
~all were so heavy
this burden to carry
And as I left

I remembered to lock my door today

It was unlike any other
vulnerable
and scared

I was made to squint
when I stepped outside
and this time I looked
both ways to cross a
one-way street

The end of summer's breeze
wanted to push me down
and I only got to my
destination because
my feet knew the way

I'm sick and I'm tired
forgetting where I am
only mourning what is
to lay ahead ~ my city
so quiet
hoping not to be
noticed ~ for fear
this terror should become
the reality we dread

Feeling alone and afraid
I felt I should go back
to get a coat on this
sunny, warm day
then I looked back

I remembered to lock my door today

~N

09/11/2001

Author's Note: My heart, prayers and love go to all touched by the tragedy of September 11th. ~N

Posted on 09/01/2002
Copyright © 2025 Nicole D Gregory