The Dead of September 11: A Realization

The world we live in is undoubtably shaped by the events of our past. We learn, analyze, and adapt to help better improve our lives and prepare for whats ahead. One major event that shaped the mind of the average American is the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11th, 2001. On that day, every person with access to a TV, radio, or newspaper stood back, mourned for those who had passed, and prayed for the families of the victims. A terrible day in not only the history of the United States of America, but humanity as a whole. Many took it upon themselves to reflect on what had happened that morning, and from this reflection came a realization. A realization that any of us could have been one of those passengers aboard the plane, or a worker in the building. A realization that life was short and the cold grasp of death could rip you from this earth at any time it pleased. Toni Morrison speaks about this in her poem The Dead of September 11.

The Dead of September is a complex read with a lot to unfold. The majority of the piece is spent enforcing the idea that those who had passed from the attack had come from each corner of the world. New York, known to be a central hub of business, is bound to be filled with every culture imaginable. Developing this idea allows the reader to understand that this could truly happen to any of us. Morrison then goes on to express the immense struggle she has as she attempts to spread the word of the realization she has dawned upon. She needs it to be stated perfectly, but we find that she never succeeds in doing so.

Though Morrison fails to deliver the message, the reader can infer given the circumstances. "Life is short, and it is most definitely worth living." So short, yet so impactful. You've heard it before but it slips from the mind every so often. And then, as quickly as it is forgotten, we are reminded by a chain of terrible events.Having lost so many innocent lives in the matter of twenty-four hours has helped illustrate the cruel and inevitable grasp of death. Though there is nothing that we as mortals can do to postpone our death, Morrison reassures us that we can instead fill this time with laughter and love.