9/11 Poem: No Cheeks Turn

By Aubrey Henderson

Reluctantly I emerged from natures
Soothing womb; forsaking the assuagement
Of community, for the dark lament
Emanating from the hearts of strangers
In a greyhound station.  Countless dangers
Swarm from screens like locusts, breeding the descent
Of a nation; grief and fear circumvent
Reason and compassion, fueling anger.

Innocent blood was spilt, families torn,
Yet the devouring heat of revenge
Leave ten times the desolation. Mothers,
Children, grandparents, left alone to mourn.
Truth hides in smoke and dust.  Harming others,
No cheeks turn; faith in sage words a pretense.

Aubrey Henderson is a poet living in Utah.

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