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Sunday, September 11, 2011

Magpie Tales: The Revenant

Photo provided by Magpie Tales.
Although he wanted to keep working, the young doctor allowed himself to be taken to an aid station near the the towers. Smoke had closed his left eye; burnt wreckage had charred his left hand. He did persuade the other rescue workers to fix him up quickly so he could get back to the rubble. At least he could be part of the triage team, he insisted.
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In English, the word revenant in Andrew Wyeth's 1949 painting refers to someone who has returned, supposedly from the dead. It comes from the French verb revenir: to return. Today, "return" made me think of rescue workers returning, from exhaustion, to the chaos of ten years ago.
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Posted for Willow's Magpie Tales
Thanks, Tess! I somehow imagine I won't be the only one looking at the Wyeth painting and thinking of September 11, 2001, but this was my first thought, so I had to go with it.
Although not a US American, I am North American, and Canada could easily have been a target on that dreadful day. As I mentioned to one blogger friend, I remember where I was (I was asleep) and what happened (a friend phoned; she told me to wake up and turn on the TV after the first plane) just as I remember where I was and what I was doing on November 22, 1963 when John F. Kennedy was shot.

19 comments:

JJ Roa Rodriguez said...

good take... good post...

JJRod'z

Brandee Shafer said...

I like it that you made him a hero when, to me, he looks like one mean son of a gun.

Also, I like your notion of "return TO the dead (dying, injured)" as opposed to "return FROM the dead." Timely.

Irish Gumbo said...

Recursive and timely, linked to the events of this day.

Maggie said...

I've got a lump in my throat. So very touching.

Tumblewords: said...

Perfect! Perfect!

Berowne said...

An interesting, and most generous, take on 9/11 from Canada -- thanks.

Jinksy said...

So you found bravery - well done!

Mary said...

This is a very touching interpretation of the painting! I like it.

Isabel Doyle said...

powerful response to the prompt Kay

izzy said...

I did not look up the translation- but of course it is fitting!
thanks for a relevant take!

Brian Miller said...

nice play for the particular anniversary and to see an actor overcome their vanity to help is a great message itself...

jabblog said...

Most apt, Kay:-)

Reflections said...

a very powerful return... love the depth, the need to help.

Mystic_Mom said...

Very well done Kay!

chiccoreal said...

Dear Kay:

Very topical the subject; the balm needed for this open-wound that never heals. Excellent memory-inducer!

Trellissimo said...

Excellent interpretation...

Tess Kincaid said...

Beautiful post, Kay.

Intelliblog said...

A natural and timely response to this image that hides much injury, pain and sorrow.
My first thought when seeing the image was 9/11, but then other things came to mind...

Helen said...

Simple in its honesty, eloquently written.