The Power Of One
by Dr.Cheryl Sawyer

 

As the soot and dirt and ash rained down,
We became one color.
As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning building,
We became one class.
As we lit candles of waiting and hope,
We became one generation.
As the firefighters and police officers fought their way into the inferno,
We became one gender.
As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength,
We became one faith.
As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement,
We spoke one language.
As we gave our blood in lines a mile long,
We became one body.
As we mourned together the great loss,
We became one family.
As we cried tears of grief and loss,
We became one soul.
As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes,
We become one people.

We are
One color
One class
One generation
One gender
One faith
One language
One body
One family
One soul
One people

We are The Power of One.
We are United.
We are America.

 

*Dr.Cheryl Sawyer is a mom and a college professor who teaches students learning to be school counselors or licensed professional counselors at the University of Houston Clear Lake School of Education. She likes to travel, camp, and read. She has been listed in Who's Who many times as well as published nationally as an educator. Dr. Sawyer says, "Usually, when there is a community tragedy or crisis, I am in the schools working with teachers and kids.  Unfortunately, this time, I was out on medical leave and grounded to the couch pending major surgery.  I was whining to my husband about not being able to help and he suggested I put it down in writing.  So I did and that poem (THE POWER OF ONE ) came pouring out.  I usually keep my poetry to myself, but I was quite shook up so I decided to share this one.  I emailed it to my mom and the local newspaper, and the poem ended up all over the world." THE POWER OF ONE is coming out on CD by Americanabooks.com (Spirit of the American Voice) with a lot of wonderful work from others.