story2949.xml

story2949.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

That's when we were supposed to wake
from our American dream.
It's when we were supposed to open
our eyes and face reality.
But the people ran about, screaming
"Oh woe is me, oh woe is me."

Then the President swore that
we'd have our revenge.
Rather than campaign against terror
we'd create it instead.
So the people ran about, screaming
"Islam will be dead, the Middle East will be dead."

The Americans walked around,
self-pitying and fierce--
Believing our hearts were the
only ever to be pierced.
And the government declared
"We'll make terrorism disappear."

Orphaned Afghani children cowered
in corners afraid,
As the numbers increased
of those who had been slain.
And the dying laid down, whispering
"Oh the pain, end this pain."

Meanwhile, Congress convened
and created dozens of laws.
America didn't dissent
since the emotions were still raw.
They went about saying
"Our country's without flaw."

It was our choice to allow
bombs and anger to explode,
to allow babies to die on the
other side of the globe.
And the President proclaimed
"We'll bear this heavy load!"

Freedom's fading fast as
innocent children scream.
We've never woken up from
our American dream.
Lady Liberty's shaking her head, sighing
"Oh woe is me, oh we is me."

Down red cheeks, she let
two tears roll--
One for the loss of thousands
of souls;
The other because America's
heart turned to stone.