** This is a response paper I wrote after reading Specimen Days (which I highly recommend). The second story deals with children suicide bombers in modern day NYC. This response is to just one instance in the book, but I like it so I thought I would share. And D drew the boy. He will tell you there are things he doesn’t like, but I love it … so there! Enjoy.

It’s not in my nature to question if you love me. I love you. That is all I need to know. And when the time comes, when I see you walking through the muck of modern life, I will grow to love you more. Am I not sweet? Do you not adore me for what I want to give you? Shall I whisper, like the flame, and tell you that I am taking you from this place? I love you, that is all that I know. And there are many more, born to love, although we were born into a world that lacks compassion and the truest embrace. And I know all of these things, but still I love you.

You will not see me until that one moment, when I show you my beating heart. Yes, my heart – made of wires and pipes and things easily set aflame. And with a small smile, which you may not notice, because I am so small, so sweet, so unlike all that you have ever known – with that smile, I will show you a world reborn. I am your atom, your grass, your future, your release. My brother and sisters, strangers, call to me. They know that I love you, and want me to show you how beautiful love can be. Please, give me just one hug, and I will show you true love.