n memory of September 11, 2001 – We all—all Americans—remember where we were on that day: traveling, working, enjoying breakfast with friends, washing the dishes… Seared into our minds is that moment when we saw but couldn’t comprehend.
The poem below was written by Mattie Stepanek, age 11 after witnessing the events of 9/11. Mattie passed away in 2004. For more information about Mattie’s story and his message of peace, visit the Mattie Stepanek website (http://www.mattieonline.com/).
FOR OUR WORLD
We need to stop.
Just stop.
Stop for a moment…
Before anybody
Says or does anything
That may hurt anyone else.
We need to be silent.
Just silent.
Silent for a moment…
Before we forever lose
The blessing of songs
That grow in our hearts.
We need to notice.
Just notice.
Notice for a moment…
Before the future slips away
Into ashes and dust of humility.
Stop, be silent, and notice…
In so many ways, we are the same.
Our differences are unique treasures.
We have, we are, a mosaic of gifts
To nurture, to offer, to accept.
We need to be.
Just be.
Be for a moment…
Kind and gentle, innocent and trusting,
Like children and lambs,
Never judging or vengeful
Like the judging and vengeful.
And now, let us pray,
Differently, yet together,
Before there is no earth, no life,
No chance for peace.
Mattie J.T. Stepanek ©
September 11, 2001
Hope Through Heartsongs
Hyperion, 2002
