Before the candles and silence
The twins went down
And they wept children from windows gone black
(by the dawn’s early light)

Mother, wake and tell them to
Cherish the stranger beside them

When the shape of things cracked open and the weight of the world took you under
Hold onto a stranger all the way down

Mother, did you see
Silence came down from the heavens and stole your children from the inside out
(what so proudly we hail)

Mother, wake and tell them to
Cherish the stranger beside them
Let go of your daughter, comfort your son

They stand on their own – much stronger
At one time they
(Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there)
Danced to your rhythm, as they never have
Only this time they hear you (this time I hear you)

Before the tears washed the colors, the air burned in its path

And Mother, did you know?
The sky took your children
(the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming)

Time to wake, and tell them to
Cherish the stranger beside them

When the hunt begins for the unknown shapes and feelings

Hold onto a stranger. They're all that you might remember

And Mother, did you see when the devils devoured your children

Cherish the stranger burned in their mouths
Wisdom for daughters, and powerful sons

They stand by themselves

Much stronger, as once more they fight for the freedom to dance on your shores and
Cherish the stranger beside them

Cherish the stranger beside them

Cherish the stranger beside me

9/11/01 PSJB (Francis Scott Key, 1814)