Memory Stash

My hypothesis is that we as humans today are desensitized to disaster. What might have caused an intense emotional reaction, now does not instigate humanity the same way. How we respond to news of a terrorist attack is a good example of said desensitization. Many of us devote mere minutes to discuss the attack and go about our lives. Others make a public display of emotions of anger and hurt, but the sincerity of the reactions on social media are questionable.  I grew up learning about disaster management, and saw it in action during the Tsunami of 2004. Do you remember how many people died that year? I don’t. I had forgotten about one of the greatest disasters to hit India. It wasn’t until CJ recounted his experience at Andaman that I remembered. CJ and his family were stuck on the airport for hours without food or water. Upon hearing his account, I felt something. An intense emotion : relief. I was relieved that he was alive today that he had not been one of the nameless victims....

Will the city greet me when I return? with the smell of onions frying in a hot pan on a busy street,  in the sweltering heat. the salty breeze and people on the beach.  with the thunder of a local train, or perhaps the pouring rain drowns out the noise  floods the roads,  but then I hear a voice a child wants me to give her alms and I can only throw up my arms in the air,  a stray dog runs scared. with the sight of a hundred tail lights, stretched out for miles, a riksha disappears into thin air, vendors knock on windows, truck horns blare. Will the city be empty when I return? to quiet to the silent prayer of millions who know what might. to death to the single beds of the ailing fighting for breath.  to the end to the cold dark ocean who knows when Will I be able to return to the city?