Dragonfly~

a 9/11 remembrance~

If I were a dragonfly

Could my body stop a tragedy

If I were a dragonfly

Could I carry all the people from the smoke

If I were a dragonfly

Could my wings hold up the buildings

 

Brother was there

For the jumpers

He tried to will them to fly

 

But they weren’t dragonflies

 

If I were a dragonfly

Sifting dust and ash

From my wings on a burning windowsill

Would a man’s tears

Be enough to quench this strange fire

 

If I were a dragonfly . . . .

But I’m just a human girl with a cellphone

Imprinting Brother’s voice

Inhaling Brother’s breathing

Across the lines

 

 

copyright:2001vssmd

all rights reserved~

Author's Note

on Sept. 11, 2001, I was to join my brother for dinner that evening in Manhattan~he is a financial analyst~on that day he was presenting a workshop when the first Plane hit~ it took me an hour to finally hear his voice~ it was the longest hour of my life~ I wrote this that night~ it took ten years for me to finally open it again~ what a world

Reviews

[David W Moore III]

It was surreal enough watching it unfold with no connection to the drama. I cannot even imagine what it must have been like with a loved one there. If wishes and prayers could have been made into solid form, the city of New York would have been buried miles deep.

[Aidz]

I have no words

[Cafe Reader]

You're amazing, in ever way. We've never found a bigger heart, a bigger hope than you.

[Lydia Blackwell]

this title caught my eye. I have a special love for dragonflies. they are like little fighter jets or messengers. i like the last stanza. i could tell that this was hard to write for you. it is different than all your others. thank you for this little winged gift:)

[alan peter kelly]

i recognised the tragedy immediately...everything here evokes it in so graceful and succinct a way...there is poetry...even in a sense of helplessness and so decimating a flame...

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

If I were a dragonfly . . . .
But I’m just a human girl with a cellphone
Imprinting Brother’s voice
Inhaling Brother’s breathing
Across the lines

i just love that stanza... it is hard not to feel guilty when we remember what others suffered while we just watched at home. I can't imagine what you went through waiting to hear from him. The closest thing that happened to me like that is after the big earthquake in 89 waiting for my sister in S.F. to call.

[Fran Marie]

If I were a dragonfly
Sifting dust and ash
From my wings on a burning windowsill
Would a man’s tears
Be enough to quench this strange fire

i so love the above lines~such a tragic day indeed .... an emotional heartfelt piece beautifully penned in poetic verse...

[OT]

though I was quite young when it happened - I do remember - flash bulb memories and all as the psychobabblists will inform - brilliantly written - CREATIVE!! the rarity of finding creativity these days! at least I can check in here for a surreal dosage - loved - "If I were a dragonfly
Could my body stop a tragedy" - the simplicity of that second line has more power than the most convoluted conceit could carry. nice!

[asdarkeyesclose]

'Would a man’s tears
Be enough to quench this strange fire'

life/death- too close for words, the ethereal quality of the dragonfly is in stark contrast to the horrific reality of the events unwinding. Here the dragonfly represents the impossible. So much sadness and sorrow and glad your brother was not another tragic victim.

[Crowley]

Helplessness can really make a person feel their mortality and limitations. You feel all to well Selene. Great writing.

[.]

your metaphorical blend of wishful thoughts and emotive feelings tenderly touch a nerve..I can't imagine the feeling watching this and knowing your loved one was inside that building..that said..you have conveyed with grace and poise a moment in your life with unbridled eloquence..bless you x