Never Forget that September Day

All of eight, my daughter still understood that disaster had reigned.
Her first words when I picked her up from school that day were whether I had heard.

Her question then was, "Why?"
How do you explain such evil to an eight year old?
As I'd always done, I tried my best to explain.
Most people are good; but there are many who are not.
A life lesson now undeniably confirmed.

And still today, my daughter understands; there won't always be a reason.
She remembers. She is angered. She is saddened by the losses.
Without bitterness toward any culture or religion, she understands.
With each people there is evil, but always much more good.

Evil isn't rational; it doesn't explain why;
it has its own intention that we can't comprehend.
There is no negotiating; there is no need for talk.

You must remember that lives were ruined through no fault of our own.
Evil crept in and stole a part of each of us.
We must not forget the feelings we shared that day.
Those who must condemn, you're free to go away.
Others will gladly take your spot.

And for those who criticize so harshly,
think about your fortune and your freedom to disagree.
We must stand united; it is the only way,
for we live in a country that is unsurpassed in nearly every way.

That is our reality.
To continue building riches, to have the freedom to speak your say,
you must never forget the way you felt that dreadful September day.