A black September shadow cloaks the dawn, The City’s once white teeth now rotting stumps, Midst choking dusty embers ether-borne, Its shrunken soundless heart now barely pumps. Infernos upon retribution rise, Fanaticism maddening the flames, Its once imposing deities abscise, As the faceless antagonist proclaims: A consummation sweet but unfulfilled, A penetrative burst without regret, A zealous passion never to be stilled, An earthly instinct powerful, and yet - This bitter loathing blowing from the East, Curtailed but could not kill the feisty beast.