Before I get started: I hope all those that live in Florida are safe in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

Last year I wrote a poem to commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As someone who was indirectly involved (I was in the army back then and I worked at the Pentagon), I will never forget that day.

If you don't care to read what follows, leave now. Otherwise, I give you that poem.

For Those Not Here

The red tiger stands alone. Dressed in a dark suit, and armed with a trumpet.

He stands at attention, and bringing the trumpet to his lips, proceeds to play Taps.

He plays for the innocent victims of the World Trade Center Twin Towers.

He plays for the innocent victims of the Pentagon.

He plays for the innocent and brave victims of United Airlines Flight 93, that went down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

He plays for the brave and fearless first responders that lost their lives on that fateful day fifteen years ago.

He plays for the survivors of that day.

He plays for the loved ones of those that died on that day.

As he plays this solemn song, tears, roll down his cheeks.

He is playing for those that he knew, and for those that he did not know.

As he plays, people in the immediate area stop and listen to the sad but solemn song. Politely paying their respects.

He finishes the last note. He cradles the trumpet with his left hand, and renders a military salute with his right hand for ten seconds. Then he slowly lowers his hand.

The tiger has seen much conflict in his time. But he will never forget that day (sixteen) years ago.

September 11, 2001.

And every year on September 11th, the red tiger cries. For those not here.

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NYC - DC - PA NEVER FORGET