And so the Pain, and so the QUESTING for PEACE, the call of our PULSING HEARTS

On this day of September 11, 2019

“And so the Pain, and so the QUESTING for PEACE, the call of our PULSING HEARTS 

Here gathered we pause to remember, to grieve with families and friends of those who were victims of a merciless attack, and to honor the heroes, the first responders of the day, 

and each day since, who have suffered the pain, and loss of life,  from the devastating effects of toxins 

upon lungs, heart and BEING.

With prayer and blessings, today 18 years since the day of tragic loss, the human spirit prevails.. and yet we ask..

Where does the pain go
When man annihilates man
When terror rules reason and heart
When the unspeakable defies God’s name.

This the lament, the cry, the ever present echo of 9/11

Tears, heartache, shock, beyond all conceal

For the pain, the horrors, remain real
Time alone does not ease the grief, the pain
For the inward scars of loss long long remain
Deep within, a blessed wise, to hold, to embrace
Memory of our loved ones within heart we place
Tales of responders, heroic be each deed
Humanity and care, held as a living creed

And we ask anew

Where does the pain go
When a life is saved
When love holds a memory
When grace touches the tearful heart

Where does the pain go
When spirit and soul awaken faith
When destiny abides in God’s light
When the silence offers guidance

Where does the pain go
When determination and resolve assemble
When purpose and plan are set forth
When in the name of God, life, beauty and love are called .

And so we gather

In dedication, in honor, and with everlasting love

The souls that dwell within the heavens above.

And in praise, hear we the sounding call of each name

The dreams, the visions held, let us proclaim

In our hearts grant each their completed goals

PEACE onto our pulsing hearts and departed souls.

Thank You.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Orangetown 9/11 Memorial Service, 2016.

Where Does The Pain Go ~ 9/11

On this day of September 11, 2012,
I am flying the American Flag in remembrance of 9/11.
Together let us pause to remember the victims,
to grieve with the families and friends of those who died,
and to honor the heroes of that day,
and each day since who have sacrificed to save lives,
protect our freedoms and hold to the promise of our country.

With prayer and blessings.


Where Does The Pain Go

Where does the pain go
When no longer can you take hold
When the fires devour hope
When the moment claims life

Where does the pain go
When man annihilates man
When terror rules reason and heart
When the unspeakable defies God’s name

Where does the pain go
When the innocence is lost
When suspicion and fear hover
When trust is betrayed

Where does the pain go
When a life is saved
When love holds a memory
When grace touches the tearful heart

Where does the pain go
When spirit and soul awaken faith
When destiny abides in God’s light
When the silence offers guidance

Where does the pain go
When determination and resolve assemble
When purpose and plan are set forth
When in the name of God, life, beauty and love are called.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Where Does The Pain Go, etched glass and watercolor, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2001-2012.

Vocal Performance of Where Does The Pain Go
Marci Elyn Schein
click to listen