Track: 9. For Talia: Born 9/11/85 — 2:22

Listen to an mp4 sample:

Listen to an mp3 sample:

$0.99 Buy this song on iTunes!

$1.99 Buy this song on oySongs!

Lyrics:

Ribbons of clouds,
streamed crêpe-paper colors,
across your birthday sky;
orange and red -
your favorites you said -
unholy beauty that made us cry.

Cruel gift of ash,
smoke-filtered suns,
setting all 'round the world.
Just sixteen, caught in between
grown woman and precious girl.

Hearts and dreams shattered that day
beneath the steel glass and stone.
Still, all the same,
you and I must reclaim
that sudden fierce day as our own.

Visions of peace,
visions of freedom,
burning deep in my soul:
I wish I could keep you safe as you sleep,
give you a world unbroken and whole.
How I wish I could keep you safe as you sleep,
give you a world that is whole.

For Talia Hirschhorn Cooper and for all our children.

The tragedy in NY happened on my daughter Talia's 16th birthday. It so completely overshadowed her own life that for weeks I was haunted not only by what had happened to us as a country but how powerless I was to truly protect her. I was saddened that I could not make this day important for her and wanted to restore to her the delight she was meant to have at becoming 16. I want her to know now that I will always celebrate September 11th with her because my world and the world at large is a luckier place for having her in it.

By Linda Hirschhorn (©2001)

Arranged by Linda Hirschhorn

Lead Vocal: Linda Hirschhorn

ISRC: US-CGH-05-75090

previous song (Yesh Lanu Koach)

next song (These Hands)

New!