25 Autumns

I came in on smoke and sirens Same morning the towers leaned Nobody told the sky to open Nobody told the ground to scream I was born into the falling While you were walking up the stairs Twenty-five years I've been calling Into a name I've never worn They kept your helmet in a case They kept your name on a stone But I don't know your face I only know I'm not alone You went up when they came down You went in when the world got loud I never held your hand But I'm made of the man who stood his ground Twenty-five autumns, and I still hear the sound Momma kept your jacket folded Says I have your stubborn jaw Says you'd have taught me things unspoken Things you learn from walking into fire, not away I've read every list of names I've traced yours with my thumb I carry what you couldn't carry home I'm the only "after" you become You went up when they came down You went in when the world got loud I never held your hand But I'm made of the man who stood his ground Twenty-five autumns, and I still hear the sound If courage is a thing you're handed down Then I've been holding yours since before I made a sound I don't need the memory I've got the proof I'm still here — that's the truth You went up when they came down I was born the same day the sky came apart You never got to say my name But I've been saying yours since the start Twenty-five autumns — still standing in the falling dark Not gone. Just early. Still climbing. Still yours.