I did not hear the buildings fall;
I slept straight through the roaring of the water.
Even today, after staying up late
With Diane Sawyer and a trapped cat,
I cannot comprehend the size
Of those fateful plates, or understand
How fires burned in the wake of waves.
But you are playing cello, and your
Jet-black hair is falling into your slanted eyes.
I know you wonder if your parents are alive
And though I cannot comprehend the size
Of that fateful question, I do know
I want to go with you, and hold your hand
As we walk the ruined streets of your homeland.
I slept straight through the roaring of the water.
Even today, after staying up late
With Diane Sawyer and a trapped cat,
I cannot comprehend the size
Of those fateful plates, or understand
How fires burned in the wake of waves.
But you are playing cello, and your
Jet-black hair is falling into your slanted eyes.
I know you wonder if your parents are alive
And though I cannot comprehend the size
Of that fateful question, I do know
I want to go with you, and hold your hand
As we walk the ruined streets of your homeland.
This piece has been published in Teen Ink’s monthly print magazine.




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