But in the popular imagination, Milton’s words probably apply most often to the spouses and families of military personnel and first responders. For example, with one slight variation (“stay” in lieu of “stand”), the passage serves as the motto of the Navy Wives Clubs of America. Milton’s words are also applied to firefighters, police, rescue squads, and others whose families endure waiting and loss.

It was this familial devotion that inspired me in 2011 to compose a poem titled “Laurelyn” as a small tribute to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and their families. I set the words to music, with the subtitle “Ballad for the FDNY.” The 9/11 songs I had heard in 2011 were focused on anger, vengeance, defiance, patriotism, and grief. My interest was in honoring destiny, tradition, love, courage, and stoicism. Though the words focus on the wife of a firefighter, I also had in mind the husbands and children and parents and siblings of firefighters, police, and other first responders. (You’ll find a recording and the lyrics at the bottom of this article. I recommend listening with headphones, if you can.)

I decided to publish this piece a week early, hoping that some readers might have a few days in which to pass it along to friends and family who might find it meaningful when September 11 rolls around next week.