SLAM!

I’d seen a thousand buildings fall
their roar muffled into television static
But nothing could prepare me for
that cruel November day.

I thought I’d never smile again
the moment I saw the child salute
No longer was he the president’s son—
he was mine.

Donnie tried to sing to me
about the day the music died
But there were no words,
no rock and roll,
for a loss so great.
Nobody could find their rhythm
Not for our star.

I watched the grainy yellow tape
I saw the shots come down the road
And even when I closed my eyes
I saw him there, his smiling face,
his youth apparent as my own.
I thought I’d never believe again
When I saw his replacement take the oath.
With no one to clap,
no congratulations,
my television stayed quiet.


Lorien