Poem Response

Eastside, Westside,
On each city block,
New York which suffered horribly
Again relives the shock.

Airplanes crash, buildings burn,
Workers leap to the ground,
Choking smoke envelopes all
Our anguish knows no bounds.

Yet we support your right to pray
And speak and worship here,
The right you claim, to build a mosque
Is not the issue. That's clear.

But show respect, compassion too
For those who died that day.
Their loved ones seek a place of peace
To remember, grieve and pray.

If understanding, peace and love
Are truly what you seek,
Extend your hand to all who grieve
Listen. Hear them speak.

by Barbara Samuells

I wrote a verse recently in response to a columnist's verse which asserted that those opposing the NYC mosque are opposed to freedom of religion. Having lived just outside NYC for 40 years I felt a strong need to answer his verse. This is what I wrote, and it was published in one newspaper and several internet news sites.
from Barbara Samuells snowbird, posted by ElaineB