On the September 11th
Attacks
Ben Carsten: Mr. Ríos, when asked about the poem, “Taking Away
the Name of a Nephew,” you said, “We cannot gauge big numbers. We cannot gauge
tremendous pain. But I know what a paper cut feels like. That is immediate. I don't want
to get one; I hate them; I know what it feels like. What is the equation here? How many of
these equal death? And how many more equal torture and suffering? I can't even live with
one papercut. I'm trying to gauge the unimaginable, to use something I know to begin
imagining something I don't know, and don't want to know.” This is an amazing idea
that makes it easier for me to consider certain situations rather than dismiss them. I
found myself applying this comment to the recent destruction of the World Trade
Center. I was wondering if this tragic event, or ones like it, cause you to respond to
them with writing.
AR: I'm so glad you found that passage. When I wrote it, I really felt I
had an epiphany about big events--that is, that we only have small events to gauge them
by. There's a wonderful admonition by Wordsworth to poets, and to people generally, in
which he suggests that, in looking up at the stars, we had better first look at the stones
in front of us. We always want to make great leaps toward understanding, but the real work
is adding our small lessons together.
I have responded to the events of 9-11 with
writing. Indeed, I feel that is a writer's job. I don't always think that you need to
respond right away--time is not the measure of good or important writing, how fast or how
slow you do something. But, responding is something I think we will all do in the best
ways we can. For writers, that will likely be with writing. I have an essay that was
published in the local paper--I'll try to figure out how to post it if you all are
interested.
Linda Lovell: Yes, please do post your essay! We would like to read it.
Next Page (9) Top |
