[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19714]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        A PRAYER FOR MY COUNTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 11, 2001

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my 
colleagues a poem written by Sarah Shaw for her Jerome, Michigan, 
church service, September 30, 2001.

                        A Prayer for My Country

     It's utter terror--disbelief, at what my eyes behold.
     It's so unbelievable, as I watch this scene unfold.
     Where three years ago I'd been there, and had marvelled at 
           the sight.
     The majestic New York City skyline, all lit up by night.
     Now horror, seeing attacks, watching both towers aflame
     Saw the huge plane flying, as for its attack it came
     With total disbelief I stood, staring at my T.V.
     This cannot be happening!! This cannot truly be!!

     But it was real indeed, the U.S.A. had been attacked!
     So our nation plunged into war--it's a deadly fact.
     The scene was there before me, the story slowly revealed.
     For the passengers in four hi-jacked planes--their doom was 
           sealed.
     The hi-jackers were so full of hate flying through the sky,
     Their aim to ``kill America'' to do so they would die.
     Two of the planes hit both twin towers squarely--all aflame.
     One plane to the Capital, the Pentagon, was its aim.
     The last plane met resistance from some passengers, so brave,
     A Pennsylvania mountain became its deadly grave.

     So the tale of this tragedy spread across our Nation,
     Dazed people unable to believe this revelation.
     How could it be? How can lives be changed in just a moment?
     How could anyone hate like that? With so much vengeance vent?
     But it was real indeed, the U.S.A. had been attacked,
     Our Nation plunged into a war, it was a deadly fact.

     Through the days that followed, found me glued to my T.V. 
           set,
     This tragedy consumed me, I felt so helpless--and yet
     My deep desire was to be a part of the rescue teams,
     Then I could go into combat against those evil schemes,
     Of those who brought destruction, who had attacked our 
           Nation.
     Since I could not go, I'm left with sadness and frustration.

     The scene was utter destruction, the question, where to 
           start?
     Many rescue workers poured in, coming to do their part.
     Firemen and police men, skilled workers with their big 
           machines.
     Doctors and nurses and ambulances, also on the scene.
     All working tirelessly, upon this mountain of debris.
     How frantically they struggled, to find victims to set free.
     Then new disaster, damaged buildings suddenly collapsed,
     The rescue teams became the victims, as many were trapped.
     Rescuers continued working, they knew they must go on.
     The missing, numbered thousands, so they searched from dawn 
           to dawn.

     Our Nation now in mourning, candles lit across the land.
     Our red, white and blue flags waving, many in childrens 
           hands.
     At Washington Cathedral, folks of all creeds gathered there.
     Joining our President and Congress, in a time of prayer.
     Also at this service, four past Presidents of our Nation,
     With all heads bowed, aching hearts, seeking God's 
           affirmation.
     In churches, and in town halls, in parks all across our land.
     Prayers of every creed and language, God will understand.

     So now in our sorrow, we must all turn to God above,
     May he surround our Nation with his everlasting love! Amen.

     

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