Lady Liberty Ponders

Lady Liberty Ponders
By Steven Brandt
May 1, 2010

Where were you when the astronauts died?
When they climbed the sky on their fateful ride.
The day the fireball filled the sky,
Did you watch the news or click on by?
For Challenger’s crew who rest on high.

Where were you when they opened fire?
When they needed guns, were you the buyer?
The day the school ran red with blood,
Did you say a prayer and call it good?
For Columbine sinking in the mire.

Where were you when the towers fell?
When my children screamed in their fiery hell?
The day the planes dropped from the sky,
Did you scratch your head and wonder why?
For September 11’s funeral bells.

Where were you when the levees broke?
When the wrath of God so clearly spoke.
The day an entire city drowned,
Did you watch it all from higher ground?
For Katrina in her deathly cloak.

Where were you my fortunate sons?
When destiny frowned on the unlucky ones.
The day you’re sinking in the sand,
Will others stop to lend a hand?
For Lady Liberty, weeping alone.

I recently read a book called “The Hour I First Believed" by Wally Lamb. The book uses as its focal point the tragic event that occurred at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. This excellent book really made me stop and think about some things.

One of the ideas Lamb puts forth in his book is how quickly we forget sometimes. Terrible things happen and we focus all of our attention on it for a few days, but then the next thing comes along.

So that’s what inspired this poem.

Revelation 12:9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"

Copyright 2010 Steven Brandt