The I have power again edition (after 6 long days due to Hurricane Irene) of Tuesday Intro. Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea has started a fun new meme First Chapter, First Paragraph, Tuesday Intros. This week's intro is from That Day in September by Artie Van Why:
I want it to go away, I don't want it to have happened.
But it won't, and it did, and I was there.
I wanted to catch that falling man with the flailing arms and legs.
But I couldn't, and I didn't, though I was there.
I wanted to be a hero, doing more than I humanly could.
But I wasn't, and I didn't.
I wanted to stay there, in the street, not afraid.
But I didn't, and I was.
I wanted to be there through the end.
But I wasn't.
I wanted to stay and rescue.
But I didn't.
I wanted to be more injured, more dirty, more at risk.
But I wasn't.
I want to imagine being buried, being missing, being gone.
But I can't.
I want to know why I survived, and others didn't.
But I don't.
I want it never to have happened.
But it did.
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Kim, This book seems very appropriate for the week. It really packs a punch. Hope it is as enjoyable as the intro.
ReplyDelete(I did not realize that you were without power for 6 days - that had to be brutal.
This intro definitely catches my attention. I wonder if the book continues in this kind of verse throughout.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the power thing. Two years ago when a hurricane sparked a wind storm here in Ohio, we were without power for five days. The kids were thrilled not to have school and it was all a little pioneerish. Fun for a few days, boring after more. Glad you got your power back.
A nice poem of remembrance of that day. Sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteI like the unabashed sentiment that flows through that excerpt and think that I might like this book. I would definitely continue after having read that piece. I think these types of books can be hard to pull off at times. Perhaps because it is too soon, and perhaps because it takes a lot of effort not to trivialize what took place. It sounds like this book gets it right. Thanks for sharing this. I might have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you that you finally got your power back...sheesh that's a long time. I am sure you're immensely relieved to be a part of the modern age again!
ReplyDeleteThis is a powerful, deeply emotional poem. Artie captured so much about that day and the mixed and varied emotions that went along with this tragedy. I would definitely continue reading after this intro.
Thank you :o)
I'm glad you got your power back.
ReplyDeleteThat's a powerful start to the book, simple, honest, emotional.
Thinking of everyone on this day 09/11. We will never forget.
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