We awoke that morning
to the clearest sky –
sun illuminated
on deep, sapphire waters
of Lake Champlain.
Sitting on the porch of our rented cottage
we delighted in the kingfisher’s diving antics,
blue heron’s slow motion steps,
emerald-headed drake gliding.
The smells and sounds
of first light.
Sipping coffee in this paradise,
beaming at each other,
exultant,
on this shining new day.
“I am so happy.”
“Life is so good,” we whispered
in our reverie.
Witnessing our world
of picture perfect calm.
Soon our peace
would collapse
as we learn about
the planes heaving
destruction at our towers.
Wreaking an inferno of
death and shock
to the unsuspecting city.
How could it be
that at the same moment
we were blissfully
in peace and optimism,
this dreadful death
landed on our shores?
Life imposes unanswerable questions.
For how many infants were born into love?
How many lovers enthralled,
painters inspired,
dancers soaring,
at the same instant,
as we were,
suspended in a gleaming joy
on that day?
Editor’s note: This poem by Leslie Klein of West Stockbridge was originally published by Shanti Arts LLC in Leslie’s book, “Driving Through Paintings.”
