|
RichNYC and I headed East down I-78 back into New York. Like when I came home from Homecoming, that last stretch, anticipating seeing the New York skyline pop up on the approaching horizon. Home. This time, it was scary. I thought we'd be spared, since it was dark, and the World Trade Centers were not usually lit up, so I didn't expect to see anything out of the ordinary. We were not spared. The smoke and dust cloud was lit up, ghostly and monstrous. The whole south end of the skyline was one bilious cloud of death. I was very happy that RichNYC was with me this time. All we could do on the Talkabouts was gasp. We split up in the Lincoln Tunnel under a huge flag, reminding us of the solidarity of the rest of the world, the rest of the US, our friends. Rich went West, I went South. Turning onto Lexington, I ran into a war zone outside the Armory. This white tent is for television interviews. There were army vehicles and police vehicles lining the street, and people crying in crowds on the sidewalk. Home.  Outside my window, the candlelight vigil continues.  What's this? Something outside my balcony doors- in Red White and Blue...oh yes, the Empire State Building, now the tallest in New York city, unafraid to stand proud and tall and lit up with pride.   Looking again out the window I see the sign for the new "W" hotel. It used to say "Guardian Life" before the insurance company sold to the hotel chain. I was really mad they changed it, because I always felt like someone was guarding me with the old sign. Ya know, this one ain't so bad. It says: Union Square Yes, this is where I live, and I am proud to call it home. New York City, Union Square. Where we hold a candlelight vigil for victims of the tragedy, where people stand together and love freedom. Where my friends know they can find me.
|
Esmerelda's Home Page