For New York

God of falling leaves
and pumpkins children carve,
you know our falling, too,
the suddenness of
of a broken
autumn afternoon,
on Manhattan streets.

Some people were walking
and some riding bicycles
and some were on their school bus
going home,
thinking about holiday fun.

And now the evening is hallowed
as deeply as any night,
for you embrace the spirits
of those who died,
tenderly hold those
who are grieving for them,
stand companion
for those in the hospital.

You are even with those
who wait on the parade route,
claiming courage while the tears
shine in their eyes.
Amen.