The Peace Heart of New York is in Union Square
at the feet of George Washington.
Lao Tsu and flowers,
shadows on the grass from
twin towers in flowers
now removed,
re-seeded for new beginnings.

Letters from children.
Candles alight.
The people are there—
three weeks on—
walking and reading and breathing
together
in respectful honoring of the strength and tenderness
of the human heart.

Now descend the steps to the officers’ memorial
(below the statue, under the grass)—
candles and photos and grief,
and roses
(below the statue, above the tracks)—
in memory of two who passed
holding up strength,
holding up courage,
being Love.

Don’t ask me to describe it.
Just sit with me a while.

Words fail brain’s
struggle to quantify
the gentle, peaceful heart
of my people
that resonates here—
in Union Square.

—© 2001, B. Hamilton