9/11 Ancestors Poem by Nancy Vorkink

The attack aged us instantly
Like mideastern humus.
Transported us afar.

With bewildered children on our laps
Never before questions asked.
Parents looked to the sky and their past
For the right answers.
Grandparents flashbacked to the Great War.
Pearl Harbor bombings again.
White lights appeared in green-blue eyes.

Our ancestors witnessed with us
Returned in horror to share prayers
Played drums together and stilled us
While the air bombs went off over again.

We were all there—helpless-
the old, young, the ancient ones.
The entire planet watched the Inferno
As Ground Zero arose
Gasped in pain so foreign, so fierce
Masallah!
A new and frightening reality exploded.

Is it hatred?
Tell us, oh ancestors.