we drown
before we die
in history
repeated

in the image
of plane-hit towers
uninsured
against grief.

Numbers do not compare
-in ashes to ashes
inside
me and you-
with the truth in buildings.

the dream of flight
once celebrated freely
against gravity
now unites
New York, Rwanda, Shavil et Shatila
in infamy on the pin-pricked map.

the dust of euphoria
collapsing into the streets
finally arrives
on the wind across the ocean

weighted by the rain
drowning
rescuers and rescued
enemies and friends
in tears and dust.

13/9/01