A Psalm of Life

As another Friday rolls around, I realize that this weekend will be the 10th anniversary of 9/11.  Another year has passed by, and though I continue to go about my daily life, there is something missing.  Perhaps it is my naivety.  Here in the city I was not afraid of anything, but on that fateful day I learned that evil knows no boundaries.  I also learned that one can never be too comfortable.  One must continue to go about their business, but always must keep their eyes open and be aware of their surroundings. 

I saw on the news that tomorrow they will be having a special event that I would love to take part in.  Thousands of people will be meeting to form a human chain along the waterfront.  Hand in Hand, Remembering 9/11 will start at the tip of Lower Manhattan and reach as far north as possible.  My body doesn't allow me to do the things I used to do so I am afraid I will have to pass on this one, but I'll be sure to have my own little remembrance at home.  I will not forget.  

Tell me not in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou are, to dust thou returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each tomorrow
Find us farther than today.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world's broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!

Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act, - act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o'erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sand of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solenm main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us then be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.

--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow--