National 9/11 Memorial, New York City and Iconic Realism

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Ten years have passed, and the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City now opens to receive the prayers and reflections of thousands of friends and relatives of those whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001, some of whom still remained buried at this sacred site. The extensive monument bears the names of each victim, around two waterfalls flowing where the two towers of the World Trade Center once defined the skyline of New York City.

This memorial illustrates iconic realism in that the designers have strategically placed the genesis of a woodland paradise, surrounding the Towers’ footprints, now flowing with tranquil waters in the midst of one of this planet's most vibrant cities. The massive garden, with its delicate waterfalls constructed on the site where immense devastation, despair and death occurred, now transpires with a perspective of renewal, hope and life, a memorial that transcends the horror and brings awareness of cultural perseverance combined with the healing strength of elevated consciousness. 

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I wrote this poem the afternoon of September 11, 2001 in Danbury, CT, 65 miles north of the horror,  yet close enough to know that the same clouds passing above me just passed over the horror. The wispy clouds almost looked like angels floating above and away from the madness below. Silence… except for the industry of nature.

September 11, 2001

Bellowing clouds of madness

Devour cavernous streets

Filled with masses seeking freedom

from a spumous potion of death.

Silent plumes in an azure sky

blessed

by the whispers of three thousand angels

newly formed, dancing,

sweeten this visage of horror.

Delicate cricket chirps, gentle bird songs,

Strong airy wings of a soaring bird

Reveal the Love

That can never die.

Freedom prevails.

Jeanne I. Lakatos  2001