3rd Anniversary

(Ed. Note: Mr. Granoff was a friend of Andrew Stergiopoulos from the time they were in school together at J.F. Kennedy Elementary School.

September 11th 2004.

I wish I could see my friend once more.

He hugged me in a dream.

And once said "I'm no different or better than anyone else on the team."

It's the 3rd Anniversary of his death.

I still can hardly catch my breath.

His life cut short at 23.

It could have been you or me.

Flowing like waves in the great big ocean.

Imperfect as humans accept this notion.

Take away our differences and you will see.

That you're really not that different from me.

All we are left with is a human being.

This simple fact some are blinded from seeing.

How long can we go without passing judgment?

Almost impossible even entering a covenant.

Do you really think something different made me?

Why can't we all live in harmony

Born into a circumstance without a choice.

Now we must find a way to rejoice.

One day beauty will arise.

The Truth will come by surprise.

But most people won't allow themselves to change.

Not giving children the chance to rearrange.

A baby's innocence can not remain

Once they are exposed to a world full of pain.

But we have the ability to survive.

Joining together can allow us to thrive.

Make this change to stay alive.

Before life becomes an endless night.

When we will not be able to see the light.

The Dylan Thomas poem was so bright.

"Do not go gentle into that good night."

So please let's try to solve this puzzle.

Our diversity are the pieces.

There's no need for trouble.