I don’t usually choose stock photos for this poetry prompt; however, today I am listening to the downpour that is the early bands of Hurricane Francine, and I can’t help but think about the helpers. Today is the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. I am not with my students to do any kind of lesson due to our weather. I always struggle with teaching on September 11th. To me it is a day that changed everything. I can remember our fairly innocent and carefree life before. This scene is poignant. Firefighters running toward disaster. That is what helpers do.
Take a few minutes today to remember. Then write a small poem in the comments. Depending on power and internet, I may or may not be able to respond. Try to respond to each other.
Our collective history
is marked by single moments–
a gunshot that kills a president,
a footstep on the moon,
a plane crashing into a tower.
We are moved and changed forever.
Remember the helpers.
Thank the helpers.
Be a helper.
Margaret Simon, draft
Reflections on the Teche 
Thank you for this moment to stop and reflect. Wow – 23 years. It does not seem that long ago. Yes to remember and thank the helpers!
A quick write in free verse and from the heart.
They Have Lifted Us
Janet Clare F., @draft
Their courage lifts us.
Staggering toward danger, even death,
helpers rush in, ask questions later.
Too many might never return,
yet they are lifted.
We are lifted by their spirit,
their endless devotion
to survival, to purpose.
On their backs we are lifted
again and again.
Now it is our turn
to mourn, to remember.
In lifting we are closer to them, to Heaven, to God.
We bow our heads and utter thank-yous,
over and over.
We are forever lifted by their courage.
We never forget.
Yes, they have lifted us, and we should never forget. Thank you for your beautiful poem, Janet.
Oops there are 3 stanzas.
SO line break after this line: yet they are lifted.
Line break after: again and again
I just have no idea why I have trouble formatting but I may try a copy paste and put this up again just to see. Please delete, Margaret, if it is a duplicate.
I’ve been thinking of you, Margaret. Hope you are safe.
Remember that day,
that beautiful fall day when,
in an instant,
everything changed.
With joined hands and hearts we prayed
for the helpers,
the victims,
the survivors,
the world.
We were one in our grief.
Remember that day,,,
always.
I do remember how we were all one in our grief. All is well here. The hurricane is not very strong.
Janet, if you hit shift, then return, it will eliminate the double space.
A friend’s nephew was lost, he was a firefighter. 3 from our town in central NY were lost. One I knew well worked for Cantor Fitzgerald……two others I did not know but knew one of their families. So many many many lost. And Flight 93, such heros, such bravery. And here we are again with so much war. It just breaks my heart to know how many suffer and how many are safe. This photo is so compelling, Margaret.
Just trying a copy and paste. Please delete if a duplicate. Thanks, M.
They Have Lifted Us
Janet Clare F.
Their courage lifts us.
Staggering toward danger, even death,
helpers rush in, ask questions later.
Too many might never return,
but they are lifted.
We are lifted by their spirit,
their endless devotion
to survival, to their purpose.
On their backs we are lifted
again and again.
Now it is our turn
to remember, to mourn.
In lifting we are closer to them, to Heaven, to God.
We bow our heads and utter thank-yous,
over and over.
We are forever lifted by their courage.
We never forget.
Such a heartfelt poem.