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Great Wooded South V: Crystal Clear

Poetry, Commentary by BJ Fudge. Inspired by the heroic words and deeds of Todd Beamer and all the passengers and crew on Flight 93 on September 11, 2001
The last essay in the Great Wooded South series by Billy Joe Fudge is at Great Wooded South IV: Buttons


By Billy Joe Fudge

There are times in life when things become crystal clear. One never knows when one of these times will come; he only knows that during one of these times he can see with such clarity that up to that point it is as if he has always been blind. One of those times came for me upon hearing the account of what happened on nine-eleven over the country side of Pennsylvania.



We all know the stories of conversations with families, loved ones, and complete strangers. We all know that most everyone on that flight knew he was about to meet his Maker.

I think most of us want to know what they were thinking and what they were feeling, and at the same time we don't want to know.

I can tell you a few things for sure. At first they were afraid and wondered how they might escape this terrifying situation.

Next they realized that they were the fourth fatal canvas of a horrible series of deadly paintings and that there was no way of escape.

Then there was anger, anger not at these men but at a world that could be so messed up that it could have incubated this kind of mutilated hatred.

Finally there is relief, relief in knowing that, no matter the depth of the hole or the weakness of the light that we see as we look up from the depths of that bottomless hole, we have a responsibility to our fellow man, that how we live sometimes is not as important as how we die, and that "no greater love has a man than to give up his life for his friends".

The following poem was inspired by the heroic words and deeds of Todd Beamer and all the passengers and crew on Flight 93:

Crystal Clear
You're not flying this plane to D. C.
You're not doing anything you please.
If this thing is flying into the ground,
Then we're the one's gonna take her down.

You've killed all you can kill.
You're not crashing on Capital Hill.
We're now, running this show.
We'll decide where this plane goes.

You idiots had better listen to me;
Our kids are gonna grow up free,
And if I'm to die this day;
I'll choose the way.

Oh, yea, I'd love to go fishing again,
And see your hair blowing in the wind.
I'd love to kiss you and hold you close,
And I'd love to see the children the most.

I know my children won't forget me,
And I pray they will always be
Ready, yes ready for their day
Should fate bring them along this way.

I'd love to see Mom and Dad and
Thank'm for raising me right.
And to see all my friends once again,
Now that'd be a sight.

I've never been more alive
Now that I know I'm about to die.
God, Country, Family - I got it.
Hate won't win, Love'll stop it.

Tell my family, I had a job to do.
Tell them, the sky's a magnificent blue.
Tell them, these men didn't take my life,
And that I'm soaring to greater heights.

Lord, to You I commit my soul,
Lord, to You I commit my soul,
Lord, to You I commit my soul.
Okay boys? It's time! Let's roll
-Billy Joe Fudge


This story was posted on 2009-09-13 08:00:20
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