There are whispers and sighs

When an American dies

Especially in service to our country

Does the world get a little bit colder?

Well I think that's true

But between me and you

I know that somewhere

An American is crying

It's a mother who remembers

Changing her son's diapers

A father remembers his daughter's first prom

Grandmothers and Grandfathers remembering

How it was when they were both young

And the brothers and sisters

Who are now missing

A part of them that always seemed there

They, too, are Americans crying

Up in their bedrooms alone

And the crying only gets louder

If it's Mom or Dad that's not coming home.

And there's relatives, friends, and neighbors

Co-workers, classmates, to name just a few

More crying, and sadness, and deep sense of loss

Because that's what Americans do.

And the pain and the anguish keep growing

As we Americans hear more on the news.

More crying and sighing and wondering

Will this grey sky ever turn blue?

And then the miracle happens again

As we Americans unite and we stand

And we face the hate of those who would harm us

No tears now, just stoutness of heart,

Firm resolve do they see.

We will never give up, give in or go back

Our name is our land, our fate in our hand

God, our strength and our power

Come from Thee.

But that Lady still stands in the habor

And she knows she's lost some of her own

And that's a loss that can never be filled

So there is a sadness that we just must acknowledge

And yes, a tear does trickle down from her eye.

But we've seen her, we've heard her, we're stronger!

We're Americansour hearts bursting with pride!

We will fight to the death to protect you,

And now, here we are by your side!

So with great pride we're still able to tell you

Though we all bear some sorrows inside

There has never been anything like us

So we whisper, precious Lady

Please stop crying.

Nickolas N. Zaccaro

Schnecksville