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LeeJ
Member Patricius

since 2003-06-19

Posts 13296

0 posted 2004-06-23 07:14 AM

I hope no one minds that I've posted Matte's Heartsongs here, if so, please then, move to an appropriate forum. Just thought in his memory, everyone could experience the brilliance of this young poet who walked like a man.

Mattie's Poems

9-11-2001

It was a dark day in America.
There was no amazing grace.
Freedom did not ring.
Tragedy attacked sky-high.
Fiery terror reigned.
Structures collapsed.
Red with blood, white with ash,
And out-of-the-sky blue.
As children trust elders,
Citizens find faith in leaders.
But they were all blinded,
Shocked by the blasts.
Undefiable outrage.
Undeniable outpouring
Of support, even prayer,
Or at least, moments of silence.
Church and State
Could not be separated.
A horrific blasting of events
With too few happy endings.
Can the children sleep
Safely in their beds tonight?
Can the citizens ever rest
Assured of national security again?
God, please, bless America…
And the rest of our earthly home.

Excerpted from the book Heartsongs by Mattie J.T. Stepanek Copyright © Sept. 2001, Mattie J.T. Stepanek. Published by VSP Books/Hyperion

Making Real Sense of the Senses

Our eyes are for looking at things,
But they are also for crying
When we are very happy or very sad.
Our eyes are for listening.
But so are our hearts.
Our noses are for smelling food
But also the wind and the grass and
If we try very hard, butterflies.
Our hands are for feeling.
But also for hugging and touching so gently.
Our mouths and tongues are for tasting.
But also for saying words, like
"I love you," and
"Thank you God, for all of these things."

Excerpted from the book Heartsongs by Mattie J.T. Stepanek Copyright © Sept. 2001, Mattie J.T. Stepanek. Published by VSP Books/Hyperion

passing shadows
Member Empyrean

since 1999-08-26

Posts 45577
displaced

1 posted 2004-06-23 01:05 PM

usually as a rule they don't allow other people's poetry to be posted...the poster has to be the author of their original work...but I hope they make an exception with this one and leave it here

Lee, thank you for sharing this with us...one to keep in the heart

LeeJ
Member Patricius

since 2003-06-19

Posts 13296

2 posted 2004-06-23 01:40 PM

opps, oh boy, thank you Dixie, I was not aware of that...and if anyone needs to remove it please do so if that is a rule, then no one should be allowed to post the poems of others, not even in this case.

Oh boy, I am so sorry and hope that I didn't offend anyone...it's just that Matte was such a joy and brilliant inspiration as a poet, I so wanted to share with you.

Thank you Dixie, and please forgive my behavior, I had no idea.

iliana
Member Patricius

since 2003-12-05

Posts 13434
USA

3 posted 2004-06-24 12:28 PM

LeeJ, I saw Matte on Larry King Live a couple of times. That child touched me so deeply, I went right out and bought a book. His poetry was a gift, you are right about that and I hope this is allowed to remain on the forum, as well. I just did a search on the internet and read in today's papers that he had died. I have to tell you there are tears in my eyes for the world lost a beautiful soul with his passing.

....jo

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