The fountain in the plaza between them
gently washed away anxiety and worry
I loved to walk in their shadows
eyeing beautiful women
sitting on benches, having lunch
and crossing their legs
A spring ritual of self-affirmation
I used to look out my 68th floor window
onto the sparkling blue harbor
and the green lady, so calm and strong
welcoming the navy during fleet week
Though on stormy days
the gathering clouds did seem
like the hand of god
reaching down
Author notes: I worked on the 68th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center through both World Center bombings. The plane hit the 72nd floor. At the plane's speed, hitting the 68th or 72nd.... It was years before I could cross the Verrazano Bridge without tearing up. An indelible bad memory indeed.
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