An ominous hint
It was late and I was lying in my sleeping bag watching a movie on my laptop when the first hint came. The whir of the rockets faded in quickly, howling, growing louder. Ominous, like the last three seconds on a stopwatch before something bad is to happen. But not knowing -- are there two or three or four seconds left.
When the first one hit, the impact shook the tent and then revealed the sounds of the others following behind it. First you feel the adrenaline and it freezes you. I slither to the floor feet first, like a worm, still entombed in my sleeping bag.
Outside, I joined the many in the dark, their tiny beams of light zipping and whirling through the air frantically, appearing to be only loosely attached to the shadows that held them in the darkness. I found nothing but stars and dark.
Comments
I am sure this was very frightening when it happened. I am very greatful that was all that happened. Let me explain. I have been checking your blog everyday and when there were a few days between postings, I got a sinking feeling. So I am happy to see your entry today. Stay SAFE my friend!!!!!!!
Posted by: DGilmartin | January 31, 2007 8:36 AM
I guess beauty is the flip side of danger. Each time I read the last paragraph, I'm reminded of star gazing, or searching for fireflies.
Posted by: ScottM | February 1, 2007 8:08 PM
Scott M,
I have seen some nights here, especially down on the Euphrates, where the stars were just mindblowing. Beauty is where you find it, I guess, and if you look for it, I suppose it is everywhere, if you are open to it that is.
Your message suggests that you read the last paragraph more than once. Thank you for that. That means a lot to me to think someone would give something I wrote the extra consideration. I sometimes read a line or paragraph in a book over and over if I like it or if I am trying to really get what the author is trying to say. I am considering writing my favorite passages all over the plywood walls of my room (sounds eccentric I know, but some guys like pin-up girls, some like cars, I like words). Here's one I love, if you are curious. It's the first several lines of Chapter 2 in Cannery Row... I just love that whole chapter actually. Even if you don't read the book, that first paragraph in Chapter 2 is worth reading if you believe in the power of words.
Thanks for continuing to write in.
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff Leonard | February 2, 2007 9:20 AM
Jeff, I have often wondered how you are doing. Please stay safe and write when you can.
Posted by: Audean Woollard | February 3, 2007 3:31 AM
Thank you for your insight and honesty. It is really interesting to hear your unbias accounts of what is actually going on. Stay safe!
Posted by: Eliza | February 14, 2007 4:39 AM