I wrote the following poem in February of 2002, a few months after 9/11.

Fallen flag

they struck us hard, and we lifted
you anew. standing proud and
lovely, you shed your light, on a
hurting world. so profound you
were. we had you everywhere.
now i see you, faded and crackled,
caked in dust,
in the middle
of the road
carelessly.
they let
you fall
from the
mini van.
have we
forgotten?
has pain
lost sting?
will it take
another hit,
for us to
put you
out afresh?
will more
have to die,
for more tears?