Lightning ripped open the top of my foot while running to my car in a Miami Beach grocery store parking lot. My foot landed in a puddle and pain jolted me. Still, I didn't stop. I drove home and took off my shoe; the top of my foot looked like the top of a potato that split open in a microwave. The scar is gone. I don't remember which foot got hit. I remember that getting hit made me feel like a fraud, but also amazed me. I've had various other lightning experiences including working on a laptop that lightning struck. I love that you wrote about how being struck goes beyond the initial jolt or physical harm. It can isolate or unite. I love your use of mythology and frank tone.
I delight in this take on Aristophanes' myth that each human being is a half to a whole! And I think that their combined command is the very law of love - never to give up.
I have always loved your writing, Sherman Alexie, and I teach your stories and poems every year to my college students. (Side note: you have broken through the wall of ennui among hundreds and hundreds of otherwise disaffected 18-21 year olds.). Of course we discuss themes and characters, but then I lead them down the path of close reading. Your final sentence in this story will receive close and grateful scrutiny next semester. Anyone could have written. “Together we were strong” or some such bland phrase, but to write “we were a mythical command” suddenly catapults us into language’s sparkling stratosphere.
This is a particularly useful story for teaching youth the potential of their combined strength in relation to the contemporary press of environmental issues. Thx
This is such a lovely metaphor - just gorgeous.
This is incredible. An economy of words that evokes this much is inspiring.
Love this.
Gorgeous!
"Mythical command"...yes!
This is so clever it makes me want to pal around with y’all. 🧡
Lightning ripped open the top of my foot while running to my car in a Miami Beach grocery store parking lot. My foot landed in a puddle and pain jolted me. Still, I didn't stop. I drove home and took off my shoe; the top of my foot looked like the top of a potato that split open in a microwave. The scar is gone. I don't remember which foot got hit. I remember that getting hit made me feel like a fraud, but also amazed me. I've had various other lightning experiences including working on a laptop that lightning struck. I love that you wrote about how being struck goes beyond the initial jolt or physical harm. It can isolate or unite. I love your use of mythology and frank tone.
Love that!
I delight in this take on Aristophanes' myth that each human being is a half to a whole! And I think that their combined command is the very law of love - never to give up.
Lol. Just read this after my missive to you. “Don't Surrender.” I won't. Thanks.
I have always loved your writing, Sherman Alexie, and I teach your stories and poems every year to my college students. (Side note: you have broken through the wall of ennui among hundreds and hundreds of otherwise disaffected 18-21 year olds.). Of course we discuss themes and characters, but then I lead them down the path of close reading. Your final sentence in this story will receive close and grateful scrutiny next semester. Anyone could have written. “Together we were strong” or some such bland phrase, but to write “we were a mythical command” suddenly catapults us into language’s sparkling stratosphere.
Wonderful.
Oh wow, very clever
Don't never do it, Sherman.
Together we are powerful. Is Lester still doing his traffic report?
This is a particularly useful story for teaching youth the potential of their combined strength in relation to the contemporary press of environmental issues. Thx