The September 11 attacks inspired thousands of poems, essays, and songs that expressed sorrow for the victims and resolve that the tragedy would make America a stronger nation. The following poem by Diana Hoffman, which reflects these sentiments, appeared on a memorial Web site in 2002.
I know you’re celebrating
what your evil deeds have wrought
But with the devastation
something else you’ve also brought
For nothing is more powerful
than Americans who unite
Who put aside their differences
and for freedom fight
Each defenseless victim whose
untimely death you caused
And every fallen hero
whose brave life was lost
Has only served to strengthen
our national resolve
Each freedom-loving citizen
will surely get involved
You’ve galvanized our nation
into a force so strong
We’ll end your reign of terror
although the fight is long
For every heart that’s broken
ten million will stand tall
and every tear that’s falling
is the mortar for it all
And when this war is over
one thing I know is sure
Our country will be greater
and our freedom will endure
Source: Diana Hoffman, “The Power of Freedom,” http://911neverforget.tripod.com/neverforgotten/id3.html.