My Bracelet
Today I wear a bracelet
Which is twelve years old
I wear it this day every year
For memories and lessons that it holds
It was made for us in gratitude
For being there and holding up
The families of the ones who died
That somber day in Washington
Crafted of our country’s colors
They once were bright without a mark
Each year those colors fade a bit
And the beads become more scarred
At first I made an effort
To keep it quite pristine
But on this day I realize
Value is not in keeping clean
The dirt and scratches simply show
Twelve years of life we’ve lived
We are not defined by cracks and tears
But by what of ourselves we give
My bracelet, you’ll be on my wrist
On this very day each year
Until one of us lets go that thread
Life well worn out for those not here
— April Resnick
My bracelet
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