Anthony W. Pahl OAM

I REMEMBER…

I remember the death of President Kennedy
I was 14
and was sitting in my father’s car
with my brother and sisters
listening to the radio
while waiting for my dad to finish visiting
one of his workmates in Adelaide.
I jumped out of the car and cried.

I was in Vietnam when man landed on the moon in July of 1969.
I clearly remember the words
“The Eagle has landed”
when the lunar-module landed,
but I never heard Neil Armstrong’s words
“One small step for man; a giant leap for mankind.”
until the next day
because we were called out for a dust-off
to pick up dead and wounded Australians from a mine field

I was working on my web site,
adding some Vietnam Poems
near midnight here in Australia
when a friend buzzed me on the Instant messenger
with the alarm to quickly turn on the television.
I saw the live broadcast of the second plane
flying into the second World Trade Centre Tower.

I will not forget!

©Copyright September 12, 2001 by Anthony W. Pahl

A 9/11 PRAYER

For those who were safely out of harm’s way, but who, through evil, were killed senselessly, I pray to the Lord God for the safe repose of their souls.

They were slain, not by an act of war, not by soldiers fighting for freedom, but by evil murderers. May justice be swift and retribution be powerful on those who perpetrated, supported and aided in the commission of this satanic and evil deed.

Dear Lord, grant those who have suffered and will suffer because of this evil act, the strength and resolve to overcome their grief and horror, their doubts and fears and the evil that is terrorism. I ask this on behalf of all the rescue workers, the families, the politicians and all those who will soon have to fight the enemy face to face,

God, hear my prayer in Jesus name,

Amen

©Copyright September 12, 2001 by Anthony W. Pahl

RAINBOW

The day before the day of terror we felt a kindred bond
that like-minded friends seek out, no matter where they’re from.
And we urged and raised each other to great and wondrous works
that alone, without our friendship, may have been never, ever heard.

We looked, each to the other, for solace in the thoughts
that which soulful hearts demanded be displayed by written words.
And we shared and grew together in the agony of self-doubt
while we grappled with tongues and minds, the proper words to shout.

But mute, we felt our beings shrunken with the weight of pain and grief
when the minions of God’s fallen angel stole innocent lives like thieves.
And even if a pre-warning had revealed the instant of lurid death
The terrors of those minutes still needed to be seen to be believed.

The prince…? Nay, Lord of darkness hardened the willing heart
and led his prophets here on earth to complete their evil task;
but the horror of the carnage upon the innocent who fell that day
has stirred a world of unity that will henceforth light the way.

There will be much more suffering, and some freedoms will be shelved,
and brave young children will die for us and for freedom’s right to reign.
While the agony of a world that has to look in askance at the cause
Will fire the cause of unity – and fan the flames of freedom once again.

God help us to know the worth of freedom, and the total cost
for without your hand to guide us, there is no doubt we will be lost
And grant the Wisdom of Solomon to those who lead the way
And God, like Moses, keep our arms erect – that we make the evil pay.

HE LAYS WITH HEROES

He Lays With Heroes
“You Rushed In So Others Could Rush Out”Today, they have buried another hero,
One of the first victims of terror’s dark war.
With his brothers, he braved ground zero
and in so doing, their lives, they foreswore.

And how fitting this day is to remember
On Memorial Day for all of war’s dead
A war hero has, this day, been farewelled
A victim of the day when a Nation’s heart bled.

Two hundred and fifty nine days since the twins fell
Two hundred and fifty nine days since the day of tears
Two hundred and fifty nine days since the death knell
Two hundred and fifty nine days since the day of fears.

Author’s Note: For Becky Grey Eagle, in honour of her Uncle, a Fire Fighter who died on September 11 at Ground Zero