Hearts Recollect 9/11

On September 11th the world will stop to remember one of the saddest days in history. As a former member of the Rockville Centre community on Long  Island, I shall never forget the horror of devastation that rocked our small village. Forty-five members perished in the event on an ordinary day. A child lost her mother during the attack and a group of high school seniors grieved this loss during a candlelight ceremony. The town wept as did the state and nation for their losses during the horrific event. 

Last night while watching the ABC News Special 20/20 show, Women of 9/11:Twenty Years Later, with Robyn Roberts, I felt all over again the sting of sorrow, the disbelief of the happening, and the sadness that still exists. I turned to my blog posts regarding 9/11 and created a blackout poem prompted by this haunting photo.

 Women of 9/11:Twenty Years Later, ABC

So Many Stories, So Many Hearts Broken: A 9/11 Recollection

Nation remembers:

People perished,

New York City suffered.

Incredible sadness

Blasted air.

Tears touched the community.

Heavy hearts mourned

In solidarity.

Anguish witnessed attack.

Disbelief, despair

Rose from ashes.

Charcoaled faces,

Chaos, grief grew

In wake of disaster. 

9/11, harsh reality,

a retold journey.

©CVarsalona, 2021

Yesterday, the nation paused to remember a horrific event in its history. On September 11, 2001, a never-to-be-forgotten date, 3000 people perished in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Of that number, Rockville Centre, a small suburb of New York City, suffered considerable losses. 48 of my townspeople people died as a result of the "largest attack on US soil" on that fateful day.  

I shall never forget theincredincredible feeling of sadness mixed with panic as colleagues and I heard the news the morning of September 11, 2001. As the media blasted the air with news, it was very difficult to continue the day of elementary school as usual. Colleagues tried to connect with loved ones who went to work in New York City; worrisome looks multiplied; phone calls were interrupted; tears shed. When I arrived home, news of the attacks were haunting the neighborhoods of Rockville Centre.  A small group of concerned South Side high school students, my daughter being one of them, were touched by the events of the day that deeply affected one of their classmates.  The concerned peers formed a bond and brought the school community together in support of their friend whose mother was killed in the World Trade Building terrorist attack while her father was out of the country on business. 

That night, students, heavy in heart, led a vigil march through the neighborhoods. The sky, lit up by hundreds of candles held in the hands of mourners and supporters, marched in solidarity, bringing a town together during a time of deep anguish. Many people were not among the group, my husband being one of them. Although safe, he was forced to stay in New Jersey that night. Entrance back to Long Island was closed. After hours of no contact, he did bring us news of what he witnessed. As traffic slowed on  road from NYC to New Jersey, he, along with many motorists, saw the second plane attack the World Trade Center. During a night of disbelief and despair his story as well as many others rose from the ashes Wof a grim fate. There was the friend who led the NYC Bomb Squad searches; the first responder who traveled from Suffolk County to NYC to support the ravagedorld Trade Center; other friends who walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to come home from the havoc that ensued on Wall Street. There was the brave fireman from our next town who lost his life at the site and dozens of Rockville Centre neighbors who never came home from work that night. There were the charcoaled faces, broken dreams, and voices that could not speak of the horrors witnessed. But in all the chaos and grief, the town bonded and grew strength from each other. Ceremonies, monuments, memorial parks all created during the weeks that followed allowed a town to heal in the wake of disaster. 

The remembrance of 9/11 is a heavy one that never leaves one's heart. In our neighborhood, and across Long Island to New York City children were forced to deal with a harsh reality that life is fragile and dreams can be broken. Paralleling that message was the belief that hope can exist in a town despite devastating losses. Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray, summarized this feeling during his memorial speech on Sunday, September 8, 2013. "No community suffered more than Rockville Centre...but we did not just survive this tragedy, we prevailed." 

Stories have been told, repeated, and retold over the past twelve years. Hearts have been mended, but Rockville Centre community members never forgot the losses. September 11, 2001 marked the day for a town to be brought to its knees. Subsequent years have marked the evolution of 9/11 stories into messages of courage, survival and new learnings about life's fragile journey.

WE REMEMBER

as the bell tolls,
names are read,

flags unbound, waving proudly,

and heartbreaking headlines shared.

There's Still a Sadness in Hearts on 9/11.

So Many Stories, So Many Hearts Broken!

Remembering 911 Fallen Heroes,

numbered in the sky,

is our town's tradition.

Village Green is ready.

We shall remember

and wait for a 
Rainbow of Possibilities.

©CVarsalona, 2019, Rockville Centre, NY

🇺🇸 

It's time to join the Poetry Friday Roundup at The Miss Rumphius Effect. Tricia Stohr-Hunt, our host this week, offers a Barbara Crooker poem on grief.

Manhattan Winter Fun_SOLSC 7

On a winter day in New York City, life glides into perspective. Skaters enjoy the fun of ice-skating at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park's ice rinks. For those who do not skate, a leisurely stroll through the streets and stopping to shop at the vendor booths is relaxing. At the end of the trip, a traveler must taste the fresh-roasted peanuts or warm chestnuts from the food carts on the street. 

Hearts shall dance once again; when canvas of ice is painted with the brush of skates.
-ShahAsad Rizvi

finding rhythm

blades joyfully slice the ice-

writers watch, slice, too

©CV, 2020

(Slicing is capturing a small moment in a written text.)

Each year since March 2015, I engage in Two Writing Teacher's Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge. 

Slicing allows me to ponder life, literacy, and learning, capturing small moments poetically

through writing, photography, and digital art. 

Day 7 of 31 days of writing March Slice of Life 2020 Story Challenge

at Two Writing Teachers.

Invitation Accepted - March Musings '19/#SOL19/Day4

I am gladly accepting an invitation to Christie Wyman's Happy Party! As a good guest, I always bring a treat. This time Christie requested that we bring something special that we wanted to share. I decided to bring the sparkle of a New York City winter night, Wonder Dust from the Wonderopolis store, and my #HappyNews. I think Christie will welcome the glitter that will brighten her party room.

My #Happy News 

is filled with twinkle,

laced with Wonder Dust sprinkle-

is shimmery, bright informed bites

ready for the quickest writes.

"So just what is my happy news, you ask." My wonderfully happy bit of news is about last Thursday when my husband and I traveled to New York City for my annual check-up.

1. New York City is a sparkly town with  lots of glimmer to go around. The sight of the skyline makes me smile and makes me want to stay awhile.
2. My doctor came in with a smile. "Great labs," he said in a joyful style. Then, sat down for some conversation that made us leave filled with elation.
3. On to dinner did we go to find the Japanese restaurant aglow. With its urban style and tasty food, we left in a cheery, happy mood.

Last March, I wrote a slice of happiness blog with a poem filled with what makes me happy. You can read that here. 

Thank you, Christie, for the invite that brightened my night. I'm bringing the cookies and my happy news with winter stories from Syracuse. (my childhood town)

4/31

I am now ready to join the #SOL19 community for the March 12th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge Day 4 created by Two Writing Teachers!

A Manhattan Winter Day

Lady Winter, fashionista that she is, shed her layered white coat and added sunglasses to her attire this past weekend. After all, temperatures were in the 40's, making Manhattan feel more like springtime than winter. 

When weather shifts in New York City, people take to the streets for Sunday strolls. Because of this, my family and I spontaneously shed our heavy coats and happily jumped in the car for a trip to Manhattan. The drive in from Long Island was an easy trip, no congestion on the road and traffic moving. As we neared "the city", the skyline was as clear as can be, making the sight a joyous one for me. 

When crossing into Manhattan, there was a vibrancy that sharpened my senses. Parking is usually not an easy task but luck was on our side. A spot opened up on the corner of 5th Avenue and 39th Street, across the street from one of my favorite stores. My first treat of the day was to stop to shop. Our little grandbaby reaped the results of that enjoyable venture. 

Next, we headed over to the public library with its magnificent Library Lions' sculpture greeting us. A huge banner for the new exhibit, Remembering the 60s, hung in front. As we approached ,another couple told us that the library was closed but not to worry, we stopped at one of the local street vendor carts that was selling hats. I just couldn't resist adding another white hat to my collection. 

Then, off we went to Bryant Park. The weather was as calm as a spring day heated by the sun. People milled around the carousel. Others walked at a leisurely pace. There was the usual hum of city life but in a more relaxed fashion. Since beeping is not allowed anymore, city noise was full of excited conversations not blaring  car horn noise.

Bryant Square was lively. Giddy, gleeful sounds emanated from children on the carousel. A huge water fountain in the middle of the square flowed with water. Skaters pranced around the ice in a circular fashion. Music added liveliness to the scene where little ones with miniscule skates were gingerly led across the ice by parents. Smiles were on many faces, marking the day as a celebration of life and respite from the cold temperatures of early January. 

We rounded off our tour to Manhattan with a visit to Chinatown. There was much energy in the streets. Vendors displayed their goods and the smell of fish perfumed the air but the real action was in the congested park. Men and women congregated at separate tables, conversing and playing cards. I was fascinated by the gregarious nature of the players and the intense looks on some faces. In sharp contrast, the other end of the park was devoid of chatter.  Benches invited all to sit and reflect upon city life in winter. After a delicious meal in Chinatown, the day drew to a close. Memories were made once again. 

midday respite

city buzz minimal-

stilled quiet
©CVarsalona, 2018, NYC

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It's Slice of Life Tuesday at Two Writing Teachers. Join me as I head over to read others' thoughts. In the meantime, enjoy my winter postcard from Manhattan. 

quietness

winter sun stands still

shades of grey 
©CVarsalona, 2018, NYC

Summer Day Reflection

While the beach holds stunning views of the expansive Atlantic Ocean, New York City on a summer day provides an equally majestic sight. Spiraling towers reflect glints of sunshine amidst the rush of traffic and the endless array of tourists and city goers. The hoofbeats of carriage horses parading around Central Park, the hum of people chattering, and the beeping of taxis create a backdrop of city noise. As I walk through the crowds, I feel the energy of a city that never sleeps.  My eyes scan the sights, listen to the sounds, and I fall in love with the commotion.

New York City is a city of contrasts noticed at every crossing. There are those dressed in the latest trends and others of homeless stature. Stylistic buildings stand tall but mounds of garbage bags left at curbside are distracting. From Fifth Avenue glamour to Times Square glitz, the city shows its differences. Possibilities are present as inspiration unfolds before my eyes. 

There is a magic in New York City's skyline.  It takes my breath away each time I enter or depart the city. Verve is everywhere and inspiration in the eyes of the beholder!

Please visit Two Writing Teachers for the Tuesday Slice of Life where you will find many more slices for your reading pleasure. 

Celebrating Possibilities Through One Little Word: Openness

It is interesting how one little word (OLW) can change your outlook on life. In January when the bloggers asked which word would guide your path I decided upon openness. Being resolute in purpose to shift, reflect, and redesign a course of action, this OLW became my portal to a year of possibilities. Today, I not only honor the journey of life and learning that I have traveled this year but focus on my most recent week of celebrations.

As 2014's weeks unfolded, doors opened to noticings, wonderings, and possibilities. I became acutely aware of my surroundings and opportunities offered in positive and negative spaces. One simple word became a beacon, guiding my footing as surely as the fuzzy caterpillar that intersected my summer path years ago. For a brief moment, I stopped to muse on the caterpillar crossing that tickled my finger as a child.  Life's movements were noted in the here and now back then.  My adult eyes now see nature's simplicities differently. Perhaps, the caterpillar's parade was a prelude to its metamorphosis. If questioned would it have said the following? Step lightly! Observe your surroundings! Avoid distractors! Celebrate the destination! 

Months have passed since the word openness became my guide to possibilities. Some weeks seemed more celebratory than others but this past week marked a momentous occasion-38 years of marriage. To celebrate, a jaunt to New York City was in order. 

Anticipating what the "city" has to offer is always an exciting prospect. Driving into Manhattan on a clear day provides a panoramic view of a skyline that is breathtaking no matter how many times seen. Warm sunshine, teeming crowds, clomping hoof beats, shoes pounding, and honks beeping in syncopated motion are sights and sounds illustrating the pulsating beats of a city alive with possibilities. From Restaurant Row, to Broadway, through Times Square, and off to Fifth Avenue by way of Bryant Park and the NYC Library, I marveled as though this was the first traveling of an eager tourist. I took in the offerings, savoring each as a delectable bite of perfection. When the day came to a close, exhaustion and sore feet could not take away the splendor of what New York City has to offer.

It is fitting that this blog post is filled with the word celebrations. Four times in the course of two days have I engaged in positive offerings: a birthday outing to a movie with friends, a pop-up of Ruth Ayres' Celebrate This Week site, a Sunday morning "Spiritchat" Twitter chat on "Celebrating Community with Combustion," and a relaxing yoga session in which I was able to reflect in stillness. These events plus my 38th anniversary outing have opened my heart to the importance of celebrations. For their spontaneity and simplicity, I am grateful.

Thank you to Ruth Ayres for starting a link up to celebrate the week's highlights. 

You can view the Celebrate This Week's offerings here.