9/11 Through the Eyes of a Third Grader

I remember sitting in my 3rd grade classroom that day

an 8th grader came in and told all of us to look out the window

and there off in the distance I could see the black smoke rising high.

I didn’t know what it meant…but I remember it.

I remember the buses coming early that day

we all went home and I was excited for this unexpected half-day

my older siblings didn’t seem as thrilled as I.

I didn’t know what it meant…but I remember it.

I remember coming home to the TV on that day

my mom beckoned us over and she pulled us into her arms

she watched the TV and I watched her cry.

I didn’t know what it meant…but I remember it.

I remember the days that followed that day

I attended my first funeral, it was for my friend’s father

and I saw so many people gathered to say their final goodbye.

I didn’t know what it meant…but I remember it.

I remember, 15 years later, that day

how much it affected our country and affected me

lives were lost and heroes were born when all had gone awry.

I now know what it meant…and I will never forget.

originally posted 9/11/16

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