Feathers by Donna Ashworth
I left you a little white feather
I placed it right there in your way
I wrapped it in love with a message
To let you know you'll be okay
I drew you a colourful rainbow
It followed your car for awhile
I made it a beautiful rainbow
I hoped it would show me your smile
I flew down a beautiful robin
It landed right there on your ledge
I prayed he would give you the strength
To push yourself back from the edge
I try every day to remind you
That I never did go away
The feathers, the rainbows, the robins
Are my way of trying to stay.
On 9/11,
I choose to remember the lives, not the lives lost.
I choose to remember the strength and determination the first responders showed.
I choose to remember the unbelievable heroism reported from every location.
I choose to remember the importance of defending and protecting our nation.
I choose to remember the rare spirit of public unity, prayer, and patriotic sentiments that surged.
I choose to remember the sound of the cascading water at the 9/11 memorial that drowns out the outside world and offers a tranquil space to reflect and respect all those affected by that day.
I choose to remember the everyday reminders, the feathers, the rainbows, and the robins that comfort us all and let us know that the other side has still found ways to stay.
