“I didn’t know his name” By Marian Michelotti

I always wanted to do this but never got around to it. I finally did. Today is a bit solemn. After leaving church where the choir sang a beautiful song as a tribute the all the fallen heroes and innocent people, I decided I would give you this little something for all your work. I wrote the poem shortly after witnessing a somber funeral for a local firefighter who worked in lower Manhattan. I remember sitting on the front steps sobbing like a baby watching the ceremony and asking myself – who was he? Did I know him? By the grace of God I didn’t know anyone who perished. He was the closest it would come to, and he lived around the block from me. The original poem was published in International Voices about 9 years ago – I cut a verse and nipped and tucked it. It just so goes with your Flag of Honor.

Miss you guys. When the dust settles we’d like to see you.