Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Interview With Superman

1. What’s it like being a superhero?

S: Being a superhero, you have to be someone everyone looks up to. You’ve got to keep your composure no matter what happens. Sure, it can be hard sometimes, but keeping the world safe is well worth it.

2. How do you feel being an alien from another planet?

S: I was sent to Earth when I was just a baby, so I don’t really know much about my birth parents. But over the years, I’ve gathered a bit of information about my home planet. A part of me wishes that Krypton hadn’t exploded, but the other part is happy that I was sent here to become Superman.

3. How was your childhood growing up with superpowers?

S: When I was a child, not many of my powers had developed. It took quite a while for me to learn to control all of them, too. If you don’t count the powers, I’d say I was a pretty normal boy growing up. I tried out for sports and had crushes on girls like any other guy.

4. What was your life like before you became Superman?

S: My life was pretty much the same. I helped civilians out secretly. Eventually, I came out into the open and became Superman.

5. Did you ever consider a different profession other than a superhero?

S: Back then I don’t think being a superhero was even a job. Ever since I was little, I’ve tried to use my powers to aid others. After I graduated from college, I traveled the world for 8 years helping people.

6. What are your feelings toward your heritage?

S: To tell you the truth, I didn’t really care for it when I was younger. But as I matured, I realized I made a mistake ignoring my past. To honor my Kryptonian background, I wear my family’s crest on me everyday.

7. There are rumors that you have a sort of safe haven someplace. Is this true? If so, what do you go here for?

S: It is true that I have a safe haven. I call it my Fortress of Solitude. Most of the time, I go there to think and rest. It’s sort of like my secret base.

8. What is it like being one of the last of your kind?

S: In the beginning, I felt different. I felt like nobody else was like me. I wanted to be normal. Eventually, I found out that I had a cousin, Supergirl. Now, I know. I’m not alone.

9. What’s it like being married to a human?

S: As you know, I love my wife very much. I mean, why else would I have married her? Lois brings me joy everyday. That’s why I became a superhero, to protect the things I love.

10. How did you feel when you first appeared in the skies as Superman?

S: Before I became Superman, I thought for a long time if it was the right choice to make. Eventually, I went with my instinct. And when I first flew through the skies, I saw hope and inspiration in the eyes of others. I knew I made the right choice.

This is a transactional piece I wrote to inform people about Superman's life. I don't know if I sound like him, though. I would like it if you help me sound more like a superhero.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Good. The Bad. The Unexpected.

On that unbearably humid morning, I awoke knowing perfectly well what was to happen. But I didnt think it would happen so briefly. For the past nine months, my usually loving mother had grown extremely large, exceedingly controlling, and seemed to be in pain all the time! As expected of a woman with child, she became so overbearingly naggy that I had practically jumped with glee when I had heard she was finally going into labor. But who knew the moment that I had been ecstatic about would be more different than I thought.

I never really liked hospitals. The white room appeared too...too everything! The bed was too neat. The chairs were too cold. The aroma was too strong. Yet, despite it all, I felt very dense, like none of it was really happening. I wasnt aware that my mother lay aching on the dreadful hospital bed, or my father and older sister were busy playing with their phones. With the thought of more waiting, I grew restless. As the clock read exactly 8:43 in the morning, I shifted my position in the uncomfortable green armchair. Minute by minute, my mothers contractions grew stronger. Where the heck were the doctors?

20 minutes passed. It was time. The doctor and nurse arrived to do their job. Because I didnt have much to do, I observed the course of action the doctor took to deliver a baby. The process began by thoroughly cleansing their hands. With a stern look, the doctor carefully slid on his gloves in that professional-like way those doctors do. As they probed my mother with the normal procedure, I secretly prayed to God that nothing unfortunate would happen.

The agony began. As the doctor instructed my mother to push and breathe, my father, looking as worried as me, gripped my mothers hand as she heaved. Suddenly, her face changed from minor hurt to a ferocity that grew with every scream. As I stood, both filming on my video camera and observing, I noticed that labor seemed a lot like a pattern. Push. Breathe. Push. Breathe. It was never-ending. With every push, a new question shoved its way into my mind. What will he look like? What if he doesnt like me? Why wouldnt he just come out already?

After about a nice, long two hours of labor, pop! Like that, a baby was born. As my father cut the umbilical cord, I felt a ping of happiness. Over. It was finally over. This adorable creature weighed seven pounds and eight ounces and sported a hue of golden-brown. As I caressed him in my arms, I had an epiphany. Not only was I the big sister now, I had learned things may not always be what you believe they are. Although labor wasnt exactly what I had imagined, I gained something from it. My brother.

This is an expressive piece I wrote a few weeks after my baby brother was born. I'd like it if you guys could help me describe the experience better. I feel that the 2nd paragraph should be better.