Reviews from

Day Four and Other Memories of 9/11

Viewing comments for Chapter 2 "Day Four: Hope from Ashes Part 2"
An epic poem penned post-disaster, with memoirs

33 total reviews 
Comment from Bill Pinder
Excellent
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Another great poem written the AABB iambic tetrameter in honor of those killed or injured due to the attacks. Thanks again for sharing your creativity in a very important way. Bill

 Comment Written 26-May-2020


reply by the author on 27-May-2020
    Thank you for yet another excellent review, Bill, and for caring enough about my poem to go back and read other chapters. I am very grateful. May God bless you and your loved ones, and keep you safe. - Mary Kay
Comment from write hand blue
Excellent
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I can see that you have gone to a lot of trouble to firstly write the poem and then all the notes. You write about an awful black mark in the history books. Your poem is nicely composed with the message clear. I read all the notes and the figures are shocking indeed. I just worry that it might happen again. Keep safe. ~Mel~

 Comment Written 24-May-2020


reply by the author on 26-May-2020
    Thank you, Mel, for your excellent and thoughtful review. Indeed, it is an ugly scar in American history -- yes, world history -- but for me, as I experienced the sights and sounds of emergency vehicles throughout my neighborhood in the next borough, the smell of the burning towers (for months afterwards) and the taste of fear on my tongue, it didn't feel at all like history as I wrote it. When the first attempt to bring down one of the towers happened in 1993, somehow I knew the terrorists would try again, only no one expected them to attack us with our own planes.
    I also am concerned that it could happen again, or something like it, especially while we already have our hands full with the present crisis. I pray often for our protection, and I am grateful for the efforts of all who work behind the scenes, protecting our nation. May you stay safe also, and God bless you. - Mary Kay
reply by write hand blue on 26-May-2020
    I didn't realise that you were near to scene of this outrage. We were in England transfixed to the TV on that awful day, like the rest of the world. ~Mel~
reply by the author on 26-May-2020
    Yes, Mel, it was a frightening and surreal experience. It didn't rise to the traumatic level of those who were at the actual scene of the attacks, but we were close enough to really feel a sense that we were at war. I hope to write some more about it in the future, more descriptively and anecdotally in the form of prose.
reply by write hand blue on 26-May-2020
    Good fortune with the prose. I look forward to reading it.
reply by the author on 27-May-2020
    I appreciate the encouragement :-)
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
Excellent
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This epic poem speaks clearly, confidently, graciously, honourably and memorably the memorable day of survival; well said, well done; enjoyed the read; thank you for sharing this; keep writing. ALCREATOR

 Comment Written 24-May-2020


reply by the author on 25-May-2020
    Thank you very much, Alcreator, for your excellent and meaningful review. I appreciate your thoughtful comments. God bless you.
    - Mary Kay
Comment from Marjon van Bruggen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The second part of this epic poem is just as exceptionally good as the first one. I also give 6 stars for this one. Again I was gripped by the terror, the tension, and the hope (many times alas without the hoped-for results) of all the victims, the recue-workers, the day after day doggedly searching for survivors.
Very good also the elaborate documentation after the poem.
Some day to be never forgotten.

 Comment Written 24-May-2020


reply by the author on 25-May-2020
    Thank you for this second exceptional review, Marjon, so thoughtful and heartfelt. It's impossible to forget the disappointment and dismay we all felt, with the rescue workers, at finding so few survivors -- I think eventually it dawned on most of us, that the burning heap of ash and debris was too hot for anyone to remain alive in it. I only wish that the rescue and recovery workers had been better informed about the poisonous air they were breathing, which continues to claim lives, to this day.
    Marjon, I deeply appreciate all that you said, and your review of my poetry and my notes. May God bless you and keep you and your loved ones safe.
    - Mary Kay
reply by Marjon van Bruggen on 25-May-2020
    I thought both of the epic poems so gripping and exceptionally well written.that It was a grim pleasure to review them and write my comments. So welcome!
reply by the author on 25-May-2020
    Much appreciation, Marjon :-)
reply by Marjon van Bruggen on 25-May-2020
    smiles))
Comment from Teri7
Excellent
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This is a very well written poem you have penned Day Four: from ashes. You used great descriptive words. That is so horrifying to have to go through. I am so thankful you and your husband made it through. Thank you for sharing with us. love and blessings, teri

 Comment Written 11-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 11-Mar-2020
    Thank you, Teri, for your beautiful and heartfelt review of my poem. I thank God that I wasn't caught in the disaster, nor was anyone who I love, but we were close enough geographically to feel that our city had been attacked, and our peace had been torn apart. My husband-to-be actually knew many, many friends who perished in the attacks, and it hurt him deeply, but his volunteer work was something proactive he did to get through it while making a loving contribution to our city and country.
    We were indeed horrified and dismayed. We must continue to pray and be vigilant, moving forward.
    I appreciate all that you wrote. God bless you, too. Love, Mary Kay
Comment from Peter Gardner
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This moving tribute and especially the notes at the bottom brought me to tears. I pray we never forget what happened that day. It was an honor to read the words of someone who really knew what happened. God bless you!

 Comment Written 11-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 11-Mar-2020
    Thank you so much, Peter, for your exceptional and very meaningful review. I agree that we should never forget what happened; by the grace of God, may we always "Watch and pray," which is what we should be doing anyway, as we await the coming of Christ, as well. We must be vigilant. God bless you too, my brother. - Mary Kay
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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A beautifully penned and written post Mary Kay. I can't imagine the suffering of the people of NY and the US would be feeling at this, when the destruction of icons happens, it invades beyond the shores of a nation, and attacks the very foundations of the heart. Beautifully written, this epic of the nation's heart, precipitating indignation anger, well done, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 11-Mar-2020
    Thank you, Roy, for your excellent and very meaningful review. It was indeed something that shook us deeply. Thank you and God bless you too! - Mary Kay
reply by royowen on 11-Mar-2020
    My pleasure Mary Kay
Comment from karenina
Excellent
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Thank you. Thank you for keeping the memory of that horrible day alive. It is humbling to think that something that I watched happen on television, in real time is now history to my fifteen year old granddaughter. I happened upon a special on 9/11 just two weeks ago on the National Geographic Channel and was riveted to watch the events of that day through the many lenses of cell phone cameras from hundreds of local citizens. It was almost unbearable in it's rawness. We must not forget those who died, and those who are still dying from chemical exposure while attempting to respond and help the victims. --Karenina

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 11-Mar-2020
    Thank you for your very meaningful and emotional review, Karenina. 18 1/2 years ago, cell phones weren't as common as they are now, but many people owned them. I never realized that so many additional recordings of these overwhelming events were made.
    As you said, we must not forget either those who died there, or those who are dying now from toxic exposure. We also owe it to their families, to help them. It's something we can never forget. - Mary Kay
Comment from Mastery
Excellent
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Well done, Mary kay. Your graphic images projected here in this poetry do what can be considered a factual but sad review of the aftermath of 9-ll.

I liked this stanza in particular:

"Risking their lives, they persevere,
For a tapping sound they hope to hear.
A sign from the rubble, all toppled and ashen,
O God of all hope, pour out your compassion!"

Bravo! :) Bob

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 11-Mar-2020
    Thank you very much, Bob, for your excellent and very meaningful review of my poem. I appreciate your understanding of its depth and scope.
    - Mary Kay
reply by Mastery on 11-Mar-2020
    Of course. Bless you. :) Bob
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2020
    Thanks Bob! God bless you too!
reply by Mastery on 12-Mar-2020
    :) Bob
Comment from Minglement
Excellent
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Wow, you have penned a powerful poem on the attack on the Twin Towers. Moving descriptions. Well done. I love that you shared the patch and your author notes. I didn't realize you had such a personal connection to it. God bless your kind hearted hubby. My thanks to him foe his volunteer service.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
    Thank you, Marcia, for your beautiful and thoughtful review. My connection to it was partly from Jorge's involvement, and partly from my perspective living so close to Manhattan, in a staging area for emergency vehicles (very close to a bridge). In the beginning, the sirens were nonstop. We heard many stories about that day, both through the media and word of mouth, and have continued to always listen. Yes, Jorge has a beautiful heart. It helped in my decision to marry him, and once I was in, it was 100%. I will convey you thanks to him. He still helps people in whatever ways he can. I appreciate all of your comments. God bless you, my friend.
    - Mary Kay xoxo