Of its own accord, my annual 9/11 protest played itself as we passed midnight

Oh friends, no more of these tones!
Let us sing more pleasant and more joyful songs.

Joy, beautiful spark of God,
Daughter of Elysium!
We come fire-touched,
Heavenly one, to your shrine.
Your magic again binds
What custom has divided.
All men become brothers,
Under the sway of your gentle wing.

Whoever has created
An abiding friendship,
Whoever has won a loving wife,
Yes, whoever calls even one soul theirs,
Join in our song of praise;
But any that cannot must leave tearfully
Away from our circle.

All creatures drink of joy
At the breast of nature;
All good, all evil,
Follow her roses' trail.
Kisses gave she us, and wine,
A friend, proven unto death;
Pleasure was to the worm granted,
And the cherub stands before God.

Glad, as his suns fly
Through the Heavens' glorious plan,
Run, brothers, your race,
Joyful, as a hero to victory.

Be embraced, you millions!
This kiss for the whole world!
Brothers, beyond the canopy of stars
Must a loving Father dwell.
Do you bow down, you millions?
Do you sense the Creator, world?
Seek Him beyond the stars' canopy!
Beyond the stars must He dwell.