Do you know what it's like to live in a cage with a tiger? Martin Andrews does. In 1973 the then thirteen-year-old Virginia boy spent eight days in a 4' by 8' underground box with his abductor, Richard Ausley. In survival mode, the prey studied the predator for clues that would aid in his survival. Martin talked for all he was worth to stave off death, and inside he prayed constantly. The sands of time (and good counseling) have scoured his narrative of raw emotion and what is left is a clear window into the mind of a boy trying to keep himself alive.
While the written story is interesting on its own, the video interview caught my ear for the artistry of his narration. His recounting of his ordeal is in the tradition of Southern storytelling, with its sense of timing and irony, and interesting turns of phrase. It's a harrowing story and one told very well.
Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4 Pt. 5 Pt. 6 Pt. 7
Wow. Amazing story.
Posted by: Candace at May 14, 2007 03:52 PMYes, it is. But it was the way he tells it that really impressed me.
Posted by: Donnah at May 14, 2007 04:26 PMDonnah,
I think what may be fond and familiar to you is that he is telling it in testimony style.
I read he is in the ministry.
I was wondering why it resonated with me so strongly. I hesitated for a long time putting it up because of the subject matter, but I kept coming back to it because of the video. To me it was extremely powerful. I don't know why it hadn't occured to me before, but you're right, he's giving his testimony.
I thought about writing him and telling him how moving I found it. I was laughing, crying, smiling, cringing...ah geez. The telling of the tale was very well done -- and he lived to tell it. I'd have given him a big hug if I could.
Posted by: Donnah at May 15, 2007 10:26 PM