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34
Patricia Smith, in 34, describes the rising waters and the victims they claim.
ST. BERNARD PARISH, La., Sept. 7 (UPI) – Thirty-four bodies were found drowned in a nursing home where people did not evacuate. More than half of the residents of St. Rita’s nursing home, 20 miles southeast from downtown New Orleans, died Aug. 29 when floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina reached the home’s roof.
ST. BERNARD PARISH, La., Sept. 7 (UPI) – Thirty-four bodies were found drowned in a nursing home where people did not evacuate. More than half of the residents of St. Rita’s nursing home, 20 miles southeast from downtown New Orleans, died Aug. 29 when floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina reached the home’s roof.
Unknown Binding
First published March 15, 2008
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About the author
Patricia Smith
277 books177 followersCalled “a testament to the power of words to change lives,” Patricia Smith is a renaissance artist of unmistakable signature, recognized as a force in the fields of poetry, playwriting, fiction, performance and creative collaboration.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 11, 2021
**Read for school
In "34", we hear Smith's take on the 34 different personas of the residents abandoned and lost in a nursing home during Hurricane Katrina. As you read further into the story, you experience the horror and sadness that these residents are facing as they are getting closer to their deaths. Smith states, "We are stunned on our scabbed backs. There is the sound of whispered splashing, and then this: Leave them." (13). This part of the poem is when the realization kicks in that no one is coming for them, and sent chills down my spine. It's very sad knowing this isn't just a work of fiction, this actually happened we just wouldn't be able to give these innocent people a voice, if not for Smith, we can only imagine what they were feeling during this tragic time.
In "34", we hear Smith's take on the 34 different personas of the residents abandoned and lost in a nursing home during Hurricane Katrina. As you read further into the story, you experience the horror and sadness that these residents are facing as they are getting closer to their deaths. Smith states, "We are stunned on our scabbed backs. There is the sound of whispered splashing, and then this: Leave them." (13). This part of the poem is when the realization kicks in that no one is coming for them, and sent chills down my spine. It's very sad knowing this isn't just a work of fiction, this actually happened we just wouldn't be able to give these innocent people a voice, if not for Smith, we can only imagine what they were feeling during this tragic time.
Displaying 1 of 1 review