I was 14? 15? Parents took twin sister and I on a vacation to Niagara Falls. First or second time out of state. Two days on the Canadian side, third on the American. Third day, this young lady - a teenaged girl, actually - is sitting under a tree hard up against the edge of the Falls, drawing, I thought, past the safety zone. When confronted, she stepped in - my Mom screamed, 'Oh, my God, that girl just went over the Falls.' I grabbed her to keep from seeing - I saw her go into the rocks.
... I still ....
Image (c) 2009, Karla Dorman
i still see you,
eyes wide,
mouth an 'o'
of surprise -
please say it
wasn't pain.
i still see you,
ripped over
the brink, arms
akimbo, falling
into death's
dark embrace --
what were you
writing? what
last words were
you sharing with
the world? what
made you step in?
i still see you,
all of these years
later, haunting my
dreams when least
expected -- you are
not forgotten, girl
MMMM... and with your tumbling words you draw us into the sadness of death's embrace and wonder. Beautiful, deeply felt poem, Karla. I walk on hallowed ground.
Did she mean to go over the falls? Something I learned recently is that a person who contemplates suicide doesn't realize that they are passing all their pain to all those left behind, if they succeed. What an awful event for all concerned and you carry it with you every day. Love and hugs, J'nia
Ah, Karen, what a terrible memory but from that experience comes a sublime poem. You've captured the horror of the moment perfectly and drawn us all in. My heart goes out to you...Rebecca
If this is true, Karla, if this is a true remembrance, what a horrible thing for a girl of fourteen or fifteen to witness and to carry with her forever. Very touching words.
Your friend from Southern California, Mark
Karla, what a sad and tragic thing to happen and for you to have had to witness. But, you have written this so well....I especially like, " you are not forgotten, girl"
such a tragic experience to have encountered as such a young age ... the emotion you experienced is powerfully exhibited in this present-day recollection ...
That must have been a terrible experience for you at your age Karla. Yet you've managed to write a wonderful poem. You never cease to amaze me. Your poetic star shines brightly.
Marcia
Karla, what a terrible thing to witness at such a tender age. You express this experience sensitively yet the full impact of what you witnessed is clearly felt. I empathise deeply with you as I saw the results of traumatic accident when I was nine years old, and the awful scene is etched upon my mind forever, and never far away...I admire you for being able to bring this incident forward into written expression, and I hope it proves to be a healing experience for you. Love and Hugs, Diana
KARLA, THIS IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD NEVER FORGET AND TODAY YOU HAVE GIVEN HER A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE...SAD. THANKS FOR SHARING AND GOD BLESS. JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
what a shame,to have such memories of a place that should be a beautiful experience. I always loved going there. That is an image that will never be forgotten...excellent write karla.
Karla, I can so relate to this, My Aunt, sister and I (age 10 I suppose)...waited as a man crossed the street in front of us...something about him was mesmerizing, he jumped over the Hiawatha Bridge to his death,,,I can still see it in my head as you express, so quick, but yet in slow motion,,,you know what I mean.
Yea as a Canuck I have been there several times and I can see how easy it would be to fall or jump to ones death. To witness such a tragedy at such a young age...I can see why it still haunts you.
hugs
fee
Reviewed by Peter Schlosser (Reader)
Reviewed on October 17, 2009
I grew up close to Niagara Falls and have been there so many times. What a scenario you are describing. Fantastic and haunting...
You were there for a reason, to remember and write this beautiful poem, and you have. A world of sorrow lay behind this moment, when she stepped into eternity, and you saw her, and, at the last moment, connected. Gorgeous and shattering.
Karla, that must have been awful!I can't imagine what that was like for you. It is so sad when someone feels there is no way out- when there is.Good thing is I know she is probably with Jesus.But this is sad.
I'm just glad I didn't see it; mom's scream was enough! I am sorry you had to see it happen; no wonder you don't sleep well at night, in addition to the pain you already have! Powerfully penned sadness; all I can ask is "Why?"
(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, Karen Lynn. :(
The fortunate inherit riches, prestige, positive notoriety. Those not so lucky bear legacies filled with poverty, infamy or, worse yet, the unhinged insanity and murderous urges of their ancestors.
Sheila
Cryssa
P.S. That photo is superb!!
Your friend from Southern California, Mark
In Spirit,
Bear
Newfie prayers and hugs are on the way, Rose
This moment I will never forget, either, you make it so vivid and powerful; a horrific experience well expressed.
John
Marcia
In Christs Love
Michelle~
hugs
fee
Cheers,
Dan
With Love,
Cindy
(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, Karen Lynn. :(
Georg