America Stood Still by Grace Burnette In the blink of an eye, 吀栀e world trembled and shook, As terror pierced the sky, A wound that forever took. Buildings kissed the ground, In a fury of smoke and 昀氀ame, Chaos and fear profound, Echoing each heart’s name. A symphony of sirens, Pierced the heavy air, As heroes without weapons, Rushed in, without a care. 吀栀e towers, once so tall, Now crumbled in despair, Silent screams echoed all, In a nation’s collective prayer. 吀栀e day America stood still, Yet hearts beat with de昀椀ance, Untamed strength, an iron will, United in sorrow’s alliance. Amidst the darkest hour, Hope’s 昀氀ame 昀氀ickered bright, Unity bloomed like a 昀氀ower, As we faced the endless night. We mourned the loss so deep, But from ashes, resilience grew, With love, compassion, we’d keep, Our spirit forever true. 9/11, etched in our souls, A scar that won’t fade away, But together, we shall console, As we rise, come what may. For in the face of adversity’s chill, We’ll remember, we’ll rebuild, 9/11, the day America stood still, A testament to the strength we wield. On September 11, Grace Burnette (right) was able to read her poem during the 9/11 ceremony held at the college to commemorate the 22nd anniversary since the attacks. 吀栀e ceremony is held each year so that we can do as promised – never forget. 15