Dear Author Beth SKMorris,
I recently read your poignant collection, In the Aftermath: 9/11 Through a Volunteer’s Eyes, which shares your personal journey as a volunteer with the World Trade Center Ground Zero Relief Project in honor of the 20th anniversary of the tragic event. Your descriptions of delivering essential supplies to the brave first responders amidst the devastation deeply moved me. I was particularly struck by your reflections on the emotional weight of those interactions and your sometimes cautious approach to engaging with the rescuers and the physical site. I might have felt a similar hesitance in that situation.
Some of your poems were difficult to read as they explored challenging emotions that many of us have never experienced. Interestingly, I felt compelled to embrace the pain, as it allowed me to connect more deeply with what you and others must have endured. This book masterfully captures the profound anguish of loss, the grip of fear, and the weight of uncertainty. With haunting detail, it takes readers into the aftermath—through the ashes and dusty debris, the unfamiliar smells, and the fragmented echoes of lives lost. It’s a profoundly moving and unforgettable portrayal of tragedy as well as resilience.
I also appreciate the break from traditional rhyme schemes favoring a more liberated expression, which is particularly important when addressing such an unconventional subject. Your choice to write short poems was a powerful decision that enhanced their impact. The careful organization of the text, featuring deliberate visual spacing, drew me into the experience and created a space for contemplation. Each word carried a profound emotional weight, inviting me to linger and fully absorb the feelings and meanings woven throughout the lines. I often reread certain pages before continuing to the next.
The book captures a unique perspective, illuminating the profound impact of the tragedy through the eyes of someone striving to make a difference amidst unimaginable grief. Thank you for sharing these vital stories; they inform and serve as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community.
With appreciation,
Jules Whitcomb for Dear Author Book Reviews/Speak Up Talk Radio
LISTEN TO BETH’S AUTHOR ON FIRE INTERVIEW