My 911

Horror I see daily at work
When I read of the crimes
My charges have committed.

Grief and I met early
When Grandpa left forever
As I couldn't stop Grandma from crying.

Love first came at eleven.
Mary was the first of several
until the day I found a wife.

Fear has been a daily event
Since the birth of my son
While watching him grow and thrive.

Passion has filled my life
through the course of my ages
Via woman, books and Yankee baseball.

September 11, 2001 I knew horror
Again as the buildings crumbled
and the TVs showed it all.

I was filled with grief
as the numbers rolled in
including people I knew.

Love for my family in NYC
consumed me as I paced
throughout the first few hours.

Fear enveloped me as I desperately
Called New York again and again
Looking for my missing dad.

Passion for my childhood home
Multiplied watching an infamous
City come together when needed.

I'm ashamed to say none of it compared
To the relief I felt when at last
My father answered the phone.