| We drove upstate to your father's house. And climbed the mountain together. But Paul, you climbed the highest. I looked at you: You marched up, unfaltering, brave, as always. Kam trailed behind. No matter what we did to Kam, he followed. You were at the top of the mountain first: No eye could see what you saw. No ear could hear what you heard. There is a silence now. In this calm your spirit dwells. In this calm those who have known you take refuge. I cannot see what you see now, Or hear what you hear, But I have known your heart and, in that, I find solace. As I dwell in that peace, In my quietest and best moments, I am with you. I am on that mountain now, reaching For the heights within myself. Mike Fiorito -- Childhood Friend Memorial Service -- 10/20/01 |
I'm Free By Linda Jo Jackson. Don't grieve for me for now I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I've found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full I've savored much, Good times, good friends, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Life up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, he set me free. By Linda Jo Jackson. Ottawa, Canada Stop All The Clocks W. H. Auden Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead, Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves. He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong. The stars are not wanted now: put out every one; Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun; Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood. For nothing now can ever come to any good. |
| Paulie Our Hero
Paulie we miss you: We love you very much: We have been to Ground Zero We have called your name a lot: We have searched to try to find you: But we've not had any luck: We know you're not lying there: In that rubble and the dust: You’re in a purer, safer place: Holding to God’s hand: We are looking up to heaven, We are trying to understand? We know that you’re a Hero: You gave your life for man: You gave the greatest sacrifice: That any person can. You’re our Firefighter Hero: We will shout it through the land: You saved so many lives that day: You helped our country stand: By your love and your compassion: When you helped your fellow man. You will never be forgotten: For your deeds that has been done: You left your children with us Aaron, Josh, it’s true: We will take special care of them, We’ll love them just like you. Written by Diane Huggins E-mail Diane Written in loving memory Of Paul Gill You are Our Hero, our son and our dad. |
You Answered Your Last Call (Dedicated to the brave NYC firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty September 11, 2001 at the World Trade disaster) I remember the alarm on that fateful day, as we responded in haste, to be carried away. With sirens screaming our advancing pace, we answered the call by taking our place. We have answered this call many times before, you see it's our job, we expect no less, no more. We know the danger that comes with the quest, but we answered that call, by doing our best. We are armed with the weapons of life saving gear, the voices of so many, calling us near. Then we arrived at this god-awful sight, the towers ablaze, no time for fear, just fight. This was an act of evil, so may souls could be lost, we must strive to save as many, at whatever the cost. Into the lobby, and then down the hall, I rush up the steps, to answer the call. My heart is now pounding, the sweat pours down my face, but I keep moving at a life saving pace. Shouting out orders as I continue my quest, "GET DOWN, KEEP MOVING!" I shout, "PLEASE GOD! HELP ME!" I'm doing my best. Then all at once I hear a thunderous roar from above, my life flashes before me, images of those who I love. Then out of nowhere I am lead by the hand, by this unknown person, who is this man? He carried me out of this inferno from hell, as he lifted my soul, just when everything fell. Now I am at peace, just comfort no pain, who is this man who offered his hand when my tears fell like rain? I now stand before this bright heavenly light, to raise my head and ask, who is this man who came to my plight? Then I hear a voice speak from above as my eyes roam, "My Son, do not fear for he has taken you home." "He's just like you, you see he answered my call, he was just doing his job, giving his all." "His boots and his helmet were supplied from above, and his power and strength came from those that you love." "You see, even up here when the alarm bell rings, they answer your call these firefighters with wings." "He carried you away from that horrible place, when you cried out to ME, for my love and my grace." "Your mission is over my Son, you answered your last call, you saved so many lives, walk tall and be proud." "My Son, take my hand and walk into the light, and dwell with me forever in GOD'S heavenly might." Author: Robert L. Houle, BRRRHoule@aol.com |
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As most of us stopped, to see the fire in the sky,
you raced in your trucks, passing us by. At the unthinkable horror, we shed many a tear, while you entered the buildings, stricken with fear. As we sat in panic, praying for no more, you were climbing the stairs, floor by floor. We sat confused, awed, and in strife you were searching, and hoping, and praying for life. As the buildings came down,we feared you would too. But God gave you wings,and instead you flew. |