My Own Letter to the Terrorists

My Own Letter to the Terrorists

by Linda Ellis, © 2001

You know what your hate-filled actions
have done to every grieving family,
but let me tell you loathsome beings
just what you’ve done to me.

You’ve taught me there is no limit
to the compassion I can feel for another
for every tearful American I watch in pain
feels to me, like a sister…or brother.

You’ve altered thousands of innocent lives
by savagely mangling walls and ceilings,
but you’ve unearthed senses in my soul
acquainting me with my own feelings.

You have forced me to truly realize
just how profoundly blessed I’ve been
to have been born in the USA
and branded “American.”

You’ve changed the way I hug my children
so they feel the love in each embrace
and helped me overlook the little things
to make their home a more peaceful place.

You’ve shown me that each day is a gift
that we are given every morning;
a gift that can easily be taken away
…without notice…without warning.

You’ve made me want to strive to be
a better person…a kinder being
and to replace the fretting and complaining
with more supporting…and agreeing.

You’ve reminded me I have an abundance
of love and kindness to extend
for there are hopeless who need hope
and friendless to befriend.

You’ve made me eliminate indifference
and the cold effect of nonchalance.
Now whenever I ask “how are you?”,
I’ll stick around for a response.

I make these improvements not out of spite,
but because I’ve changed inside
and determination has accompanied
each and every tear I’ve cried.

If everyone made some loving changes
because of each diverted plane,
maybe it would help us to believe
that the innocent did not die in vain.

And if by chance, you escape the strike
of America’s strong and angry hand,
may you then receive your consequence
in God’s own reprimand.

Signed,
Linda Ellis