When People Fell Like Rain

One solemn day, a sad refrain
Wafted cross the fruited plain
As innocents lay hurt and slain
That day when people fell like rain 

Shattered myths of safe domain
Gave way as faith began to wane
Then anger lifted hope again
That day when people fell like rain

Our wisest minds could not explain
What sort of men - obsessed, insane
Would take delight in our bloodstain
That day when people fell like rain

An act so cruel, so inhumane
Unleashed great ire and did unchain
An angry might one can't restrain
That day when people fell like rain

A gaze cast on the ash remain
Allows the eye to ascertain
That these souls did not die in vain
That day when people fell like rain

With angst and grief and woeful pain
A nation woke that once had lain
Asleep, to face a fear campaign
That day when people fell like rain

Glancing 'cross the bleak terrain
Great strength our nation did regain 
Heroic might we did not feign
That day when people fell like rain

Resolved, united we remain
We will not waiver or complain
For vivid memories we retain
Of that day when people fell like rain

	- Jon Gardner