I Went Back to Sleep

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On September 11, 2011, our grocery store burned down.
Smoke rolled across Main Street. An eruption of flames lit the dark morning sky.
But I wouldn’t know. I went back to sleep.

The tornado sirens clanged. Firemen battled soot, and the sanity telling them to get out.
Some were injured.
But I wouldn’t know. I went back to sleep.

People drifted downtown, dazed.
Feeling like the earthquakes and hurricanes had finally hit our little Iowa town.
But I wouldn’t know. I went back to sleep.

Scorching memories of a day ten years past rose up with the smoke.
My town watched silently, side by side, facing the fires together.

But I wouldn’t know.
I went back to sleep.

Spoiler
This was my morning. I was tired. There was another hour before I had to get up. It sounded like the chaos was winding down. So I went back to sleep, and woke up regretting it. Feeling callous and apathetic and... Bleh. "The grocery store is gone. Sad." But it's a bigger deal than that, especially with the timing... I wasn't planning to write anything for 9-11. But then this happened. And during church, listening to people talk about how - for just a second, as they headed up town, they felt some of what New York City felt ten years ago - this idea rose up.

I don't want to be someone that rolls over and goes back to sleep after a disaster. I want to care. I want to be there. I want to help, however I can. *sigh*

So, yeah. That was my morning.

I haven't done much with poetry, and I did this in about five minutes. It's not the kind of thing I need feedback on. It's just... something I felt like I had to write. Thanks for reading.
"Pay Attention. Pay Close Attention to everything, everything you see. Notice what no one else notices, and you'll know what no one else knows. What you get is what you get. What you do with what you get is more the point. -- Loris Harrow, City of Ember (Movie)




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I found this poem to be very inspiring.
The idea is great!
Scorching memories of a day ten years past rose up with the smoke.

I think that was the part I enjoyed most.
Keep up the great work!
Stop Drinking The Hatorade and Start Drinking The Bubble Tea.




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Hello!

Haha, I know that you just felt like writing. So many things can inspire a young writer's mind from time to time. This poem's lines were a bit too long. Maybe you could have shortened it? But I like the story. I hope you get a new grocery store!!!

^_^

GREAT JOB AND KEEP WRITING!

~Kat
“There’s no point in being grown up if you can’t act a little childish sometimes.”-The Fourth Doctor
"Who I was, what I did, that's not who I am." - Castiel
"Friends protect you." - John Watson




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I liked this good write, I can relate to the 'I went back to sleep' but you were little right? I remember I was only 9 when that happened. My 5th grade teacher had gotten super silent after recess, and then she told us but being a bunch of kids you don't really care or understand, now that I'm older I see the videos of the 'jumpers' and I feel like crying, I imagine how scared they must have felt, either jump or burn to death. It's sad and it's messed up.

Tidal waves they rip right through me
Tears from eyes worn cold and sad
Pick me up now, I need you so bad
Down down down down



You can do it, serpent king!
— Rhett McLaughlin