nmah1268.xml

nmah1268.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-05

I am a sixth grade teacher in Western Nebraska, and was getting ready for school when the news coverage began. I saw the second plane hit just before I had to leave for school. It was a difficult morning with the students because we were asked to leave news reports off, and my imagination and fears raced without the news and video reports available. Many of my fears were fueled by the fact that we live in the midst of many defense missiles. As a child I was fearful of our need to use these missiles, and these fears were rapidly brought to the surface. My students and I found comfort in writing poetry. My poem follows:

I AM…

By Carla Brauer


I am proud to be an American.
I wonder how anyone could harbor such hatred and prejudice.
I hear the anguish of those trapped in the state of not knowing.
I see many tears, broken bodies, broken souls.
I want the terror to end.
I am proud to be an American
I feel powerless.
I worry that American has lost its feeling of security.
I cry when I see loved ones bearing grief.
I am proud to be an American.
I understand very little.
I say our action must be swift and decisive.
I dream of peace and understanding in our world.
I hope we have a deeper appreciation for the fragility of life and spirit.
I am proud to be an American.