Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "In Memory - A 9/11 Survivors Ramblings"

I AM A NEW YORKER I do not live in the five boroughs or on the Island or Upstate I may live hundreds or thousands of miles away Or I may live just over the GW Bridge But I am a New Yorker I am a New Yorker Whatever took me out of New York: Business, family or hating the cold did not take New York out of me. My accent may have faded and my pace may have slowed But I am a New Yorker I am a New Yorker I was raised on Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Rockefeller Plaza, The Yankees or the Mets (Giants or Dodgers) Jones Beach or Rye Beach or one of the beaches on the sound (Orchard Beach) I know that "THE END" means Montauk. Because I am a New Yorker I am a New Yorker When I go on vacation, I never look up Skyscrapers are something I take for granted The Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are part of me Taxis and noise and subways and "get outa heah" don't rattle me Because I am a New Yorker I am a New Yorker I was raised on cultural diversity before it was politically correct I eat Greek food and Italian food, Jewish and Middle Eastern food and Chinese food Because they are all American food to me. I don't get mad when people speak other languages in my presence Because my relatives got to this country via Ellis Island and chose to stay They were New Yorkers I am a New Yorker People who have never been to New York have misunderstood me My friends and family work in the industries, professions and businesses that benefit all Americans My firefighters died trying to save New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers They died trying to save Americans and non-Americans Because they were New Yorkers. I am a New Yorker I feel the pain of my fellow New Yorkers I mourn the loss of my beautiful city I feel and dread that New York will never be the same But then I remember: I am a New Yorker And New Yorkers have: Tenacity, strength and courage way above the norm Compassion and caring for our fellow citizens Love and pride in our city, in our state, in our country Intelligence, experience and education par excellence Ability, dedication and energy above and beyond Faith--no matter what religion we practice Terrorists hit America in its heart But America's heart still beats strong Demolished the steel in our buildings, but it doesn't touch the steel in our souls Hit us in the pocketbook; but we'll parlay what we have left into a fortune End innocent lives leaving widows and orphans, but we'll take care of them Because they are New Yorkers Wherever we live, whatever we do, whoever we are There are New Yorkers in every state and every city of this nation We will not abandon our city We will not abandon our brothers and sisters We will not abandon the beauty, creativity and diversity that New York represents Because we are New Yorkers And we are proud to be New Yorkers "REMEMBER THE WTC"

Dear Terrorist, Well, you hit the World Trade Center, but you missed America. You hit the Pentagon, but you missed America. You used helpless American bodies, to take out other American bodies, but like a poor marksman, you STILL missed America. Why? Because of something you guys will never understand. America isn't about a building or two, not about financial centers, not about military centers. America isn't about a place. America isn't even about a bunch of bodies. America is about an IDEA. An idea that you can go someplace where you can earn as much as you can figure out how to, live for the most part, like you envisioned living, and pursue happiness. (No guarantee that you'll reach it, but you can sure try!) Go ahead and whine your terrorist whine, and chant your terrorist litany: "If you cannot see my point, then feel my pain." This concept is alien to Americans. We live in a country where we don't have to see your point. But you're free to have one. We don't have to listen to your speech. But you're free to say one. Don't know where you got the strange idea that everyone has to agree with you. We don't agree with *each other* in this country, almost as a matter of pride. We're a collection of people that don't agree, called States. We united our individual states to protect ourselves from tyranny in the world. Another idea, made up on the spot. You CAN make it up as you go, when it's your country. If you're free enough. The first we knew of the War of 1812, was when England burned Washington D.C. to the ground. Didn't turn out like England thought it was going to, and it's not going to turn out like you think, either. Sorry, but you're not the first bully on our shores, just the most recent. No Marquis of Queensbury rules for Americans, either. We were the FIRST and so far, only country in the world to use nuclear weapons in anger. Horrific idea, nowadays? News for you bucko, it was back then too, but we used it anyway. Only had two of them in the whole world and we used 'em both. Does that tell you something about American Resolve? So who just declared War on us? It would be nice to point to some real estate, like the good old days. Unfortunately, we're probably at war with random camps, in far-flung places. Who think they're safe. Better start sleeping with one eye open. There's a spirit that tends to take over people who come to this country, looking for opportunity, looking for liberty, looking for freedom. Even if they misuse it. You guys seem to be incapable of understanding that we don't live in America, America lives in *us*! American Spirit is what it's called. And killing a few thousand of us, or a few million of us, won't change it. Most of the time, it's a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of spirit. Until we're crossed in a cowardly manner, then it becomes an entirely different kind of spirit. Wait until you see what we do with that Spirit, this time. Sleep tight, if you can. We're coming.

A MESSAGE FOR BIN LADEN Osama Bin Laden, your time is short; We'd rather you die, than come to court. Why are you hiding if it was in God's name? Your just a punk with a turban; a pathetic shame. I have a question, about your theory and laws; "How come you never die for the cause?" Is it because you're a coward who counts on others? Well here in America, we stand by our brothers. As is usual, you failed in your mission; If you expected pure chaos, you can keep on wishin' Americans are now focused and stronger than ever; Your death has become our next endeavor. What you tried to kill, doesn't live in our walls; It's not in buildings or shopping malls. If all of our structures came crashing down; It would still be there, safe and sound. Because pride and courage can't be destroyed; Even if the towers leave a deep void. We'll band together and fill the holes We'll bury our dead and bless their souls. But then our energy will focus on you; And you'll feel the wrath of the Red, White and Blue. So slither and hide like a snake in the grass; Because America's coming to kick your ass!!!

In memory of all those who perished; the passengers and the pilots on the United Air and AA flights, the workers in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and all the innocent bystanders. If I knew it would be the last time That I'd see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep. If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more. If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day. If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute to stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming you would KNOW I do. If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away. For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything just right. There will always be another day to say "I love you," And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do?" But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight. So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today? For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day, That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish. So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear, Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay." And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.

LADY LIBERTY I wonder what she thought As she stood there, strong and tall. She couldn't turn away, She was forced to watch it all. Did she long to offer comfort As her country bled? With her arm forever frozen High above her head. She could not shield her eyes She could not hide her face She just stared across the water Keeping Freedom's place. The smell of smoke and terror Somehow reduced her size So small within the harbor But still we recognized... How dignified and beautiful On a day so many died I wonder what she thought, And I know she must have cried.

WHITE SEPTEMBER SKY How did it look to them in the first frozen second of the brand new war, when sky and fire opened the walls? Vengeance is not enough. Sometimes it seems the dead are waiting, ghost riders paused in shock before they go on to wherever they go. They want us to see what they saw, as their exploded memories began to unravel through the air, until only the air remained. We watched the clouds they became, their dust filling our eyes, our lungs, our blood. We breathe them in, we have no choice, and their blood flows in us, as we move, stately, into the passion of war, the romance of revenge. But some remembered, in that second at the window, lovers, children, all the white Septembers of joy. Bless them in the middle of fire, bless their blood, heroic, that we bring to war, bless their final end. Vengeance is not enough. They wait for peace.

“THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO NEW YORK CITY" The devil came down on NYC He was lookin for souls to steal. And he was in a bind 'Cause he was way behind With an Arabhe'd made a deal. When he killed our own on American soil We knew it was an evil plot. Bush stepped upon that podium Said "Boy let me tell you what: I bet you didn't know it But we got plans of our own too. And if you care to take a dare I'll make a bet with you. You may have begun this battle boy, But give America it's due. We're gonna find you no matter where you go We'll win this war against you." The Marine said: "My names Johnny, This is where I come in. I'm part of this bet; you're gonna regret 'Cause we're the best that's ever been." Air Force load up our planes and bomb those Arabs hard. 'Cause Hell's broke loose in America; Bush called out the National Guard. And when we win you'll not see those shiny streets of gold You'll have lost; now the devil's got your soul. The Navy jumped on our ships and said: "We'll start this show." Fire flew from their turrets as they struck a mighty blow. The Army marched across the sands And they made an evil hiss. Then a band of volunteers joined in And it sounded something like this. When you attacked America you said "Look what I have done" But just cower there in your hole And let our soldiers show you how it's done. Fire in the towers--run boys run America was attacked at the rising sun. Terrorism's always been a faceless foe It's gonna be a dogfight, don't ya'll know? The devil bowed his head 'Cause he knew that he'd been beat And he realized our American spirit he could not defeat! Bush said: "Devil, just come on back If you ever wanna try again.... I done told you once You son-of-a-bitch America's the best it's ever been!!!!"