Memory, 9-11

You cannot touch years Though memory bears their weight I sip my coffee   As ever on this day, I have flashes of memories–7 months pregnant about to board a flight at BWI. When the men screamed run, for fear of bombs, I ran from the terminal and jumped in the first car I saw. … Continue reading “Memory, 9-11”

You cannot touch years
Though memory bears their weight
I sip my coffee

 

As ever on this day, I have flashes of memories–7 months pregnant about to board a flight at BWI. When the men screamed run, for fear of bombs, I ran from the terminal and jumped in the first car I saw. I am grateful for that driver’s kindness, for he drove me home to Annapolis as fast as he could. I could only think to get to my children. But as Meredith, then 9, told me when I said, “You’re safe, I’m here”–“I will never be safe again.”

Even so, we try for security, and work toward it. As Helen Keller said, “Security is mostly an illusion.” In any case, in addition to my own small memories of that day and the ensuring years, my heart goes out to all who lost lives, loved ones, and illusions, who continue to live in fear and war.

Author: Janice

A creative. Lifelong Marylander. After many odd jobs of adolescence and college, have always worked as a writer and published essays, op-eds, articles, and poetry in national news media and small presses. Collection of poetry, "Saturday at the Gym", about boxing, aging, and motherhood; collection of artwork and poetry, "What Are Mothers For?" On the verge of an empty nest for the first time in 30 years, my question is: What am I for?