Remembering September 11, 2001
*I realize it has been a very long time since I have posted. New work restrictions and various personal things are my excuses. I also realize that Jiandthecity does not normally deal with such non-snarky topics but September 11, 2001 is a day that started a time in my life that I will forever remember. And so friends I share with you here parts of my handwritten journal entry from this morning. (This is stream of consciousness people so don't expect the best writing.)
9.10.06
Five years ago today was the last day of innocence for me and for my beloved city. Much of the world has forgotten. No, they remember in the sense that it makes a good headline -extra! extra! read all about it -"5 Year Anniversary of the attacks on the twin towers!" and that it makes a seemingly good excuse for everything from war through racism and even frivolity. But they do not remember the utter sadness, depression, and unequivocal feeling of loss that came with that day. They do not remember the shock and horror of thinking that you knew someone in that burning tower as you watched it, helplessly, on t.v. They do not remember the acrid smell of poisonous toxic chemicals that hung over lower Manhattan and drifted over downtown Brooklyn for weeks. They do not remember the blank looks on peoples faces as they walked for miles covered in thick gray ash. They do not remember the cry of sirens that seemed neverending, shrieking like a mother who lost a child. They do not remember the millions of little pieces of corporate Americas documents falling from the sky over the Promenade in Brooklyn, like snow falling in the winter. Except this was not wintertime, the day had crystal clear blue skies except for that huge cloud of black poison hovering over my beloved city. Hovering over where the happiest day of my life took place just 17 short days earlier. Gone now. Like the thousands of lives effected by that spirit-testing day. No they do not remember all of these things. They watched it on t.v. like it was a really good terrifying movie. They did not hear the boom of the second plane smashing into the second tower. I did. I heard it. I smelled it. I felt it. I saw it. I touched it. Now permanently a part of me, never to be forgotten. Always to be remembered. Not because "those crazy militants" need to pay, but because our city, my heart, was wounded for life. Etched in my heart forever, the days of innocence lost.
I remember.
9.10.06
Five years ago today was the last day of innocence for me and for my beloved city. Much of the world has forgotten. No, they remember in the sense that it makes a good headline -extra! extra! read all about it -"5 Year Anniversary of the attacks on the twin towers!" and that it makes a seemingly good excuse for everything from war through racism and even frivolity. But they do not remember the utter sadness, depression, and unequivocal feeling of loss that came with that day. They do not remember the shock and horror of thinking that you knew someone in that burning tower as you watched it, helplessly, on t.v. They do not remember the acrid smell of poisonous toxic chemicals that hung over lower Manhattan and drifted over downtown Brooklyn for weeks. They do not remember the blank looks on peoples faces as they walked for miles covered in thick gray ash. They do not remember the cry of sirens that seemed neverending, shrieking like a mother who lost a child. They do not remember the millions of little pieces of corporate Americas documents falling from the sky over the Promenade in Brooklyn, like snow falling in the winter. Except this was not wintertime, the day had crystal clear blue skies except for that huge cloud of black poison hovering over my beloved city. Hovering over where the happiest day of my life took place just 17 short days earlier. Gone now. Like the thousands of lives effected by that spirit-testing day. No they do not remember all of these things. They watched it on t.v. like it was a really good terrifying movie. They did not hear the boom of the second plane smashing into the second tower. I did. I heard it. I smelled it. I felt it. I saw it. I touched it. Now permanently a part of me, never to be forgotten. Always to be remembered. Not because "those crazy militants" need to pay, but because our city, my heart, was wounded for life. Etched in my heart forever, the days of innocence lost.
I remember.
posted by Ji @ 7:39 PM
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