Circle of Friends

This is the section of our newsletter that we dedicate to you our readers. We invite you to share your thoughts and feelings with us in short stories, poems, or inspirational sayings. If you would like to contribute contact Bill Burns-Lynch at 215-599-4011 or just send your contributions to Bill at the Friends Connection office. We look forward to seeing your words in print!

Poetry

The following short series of haiku were written in the initial weeks after the attacks on the World Trade Center this past Fall.

9/11/01 (1)
Twin towers collapse
Against an azure sky -
Death haunts us.

Waiting (2)
Hopefulness
Tainted with fear -
Phone ringing.

Ground Zero (3)
Steel and throat burning
Standing atop the plaza -
Where are you in this?

Memorial (4)
Celebrating you -
Pictures frame our memory.
Can this be goodbye?

Finding You (5)
Concrete, earth and steel
Separating you from us -
Friends pull your body out.

Funeral (6)
Those who love you
Gathering again -
Singing you home.

- Bill Burns-Lynch

I've Been Through A Lot, I Seen Plenty

I've been through a lot, I seen plenty.
I watch schizophrenia rob so many.
I saw the grim reaper,
I witness dark and gloom.
I also seen bright lights fill the room.
I'm aware of the gang fights,
People loosing their life.
Trying to defend a drug-comer.
I can tell you all about the friends I lost in alphabetical order.
I know the devastation and mayhem that life can bring,
My best friend died with a tear in his eye over material things.
I been through a lot I seen plenty,
I also watch GOD bless many.
I witness people loving people when loving them was hard.
I saw a derelict receive his degree, I seen a alcoholic finally be free,
I saw good in the world through the smoky eyes of a little girl
Who was rescued from the Trade Center building.
The man who saved her was a complete stranger.
I remember the coldest days and my mommy dressed me warm,
I remember scraping my knees and my mom kissed my sores.
I remember praying and God saying its yours.
There's no need to ask anymore,
I've known kind acts and I've been embraced,
I've learned how to hold on to my faith.

- Michael Nelson

Recovery

Winter turns to Spring.
The cold and dark disappear.
New life calls to me.

- Anonymous

New Comer

The first time I heard
"Hello, my name is…
And I'm an alcoholic,"
I thought dear God,
That's not me.

This strange room,
This strange fellowship of people.
Joined by one common bond -
That desire…
Would I have it?
Could I find it?
That desire to stop…
Is it in me?
Is anything in me?
Will I find it?
Will I find me?
A stranger touched my hand,
Looked at me knowingly,
"Keep coming back,"
Was all he said.

- Joe Z.