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by Joe B. Originally begun on September, 11th 2002. But because of PC and server problems folks get it today on the 12th. However I’ll place another piece here if time permits so folks will have a two for one deal just to be fair. Sept. 11, 2002. One Year Later. 3:43 am September, 11, 2002 the day before at10 pmt. I was enjoying an action packed show about good vs. evil and evil is having a ball. Someone tells me about lost pet ads and one ad in particular taped to a poll saying "Have you seen my lost pet? Next to the words is a photo insert with no photo inside. Below said photo is the breed of animal whether dog, cat, bird, fish, or other animals then sex-age, color, and date posted, also a contact phone number in case pets are found. It comes to mind that if one values their pet’s life; a photo or freeze frame video either black and white or color should be in the empty photo insert along with a description. The dog, cat, bird composite shadows is only a representation but real pictures are what’s needed. Its as dopey as having parks without water fountains and bathrooms in them. That’s as serious as I want to be about an obvious mistake in logical thinking then my phone rings an at 10:43 pmt answering is dead last on my thing-to-do-list. The phone which I don’t answer most of the time but felt just in case its important pick it up. Well this ruins my TV viewing for the night as an invitation to The Mayor of San Francisco’s, New York’s Memorial, Book Signing in City Hall to write our names in a commemorating 9-11-2001. It will be happening throughout the day. I’m thinking from now on every Sept. 11th that day will be honored globally. But I hope the anger is balanced with mercy and wisdom, to think long why it happened as home grown American domestic terrorism happened in our past and present. Waking up earlier than I should the first thing to do is gather up clothes, toiletries before taking a thorough hot shower, drying, oiling, wiping off excess, then checking nails on hands, feet before flossing and brushing teeth, warring clean clothes for this special anniversary. Hurriedly I called the person to wake them up its 3:46 am after fumbling a bit I quickly walk to a neighbor’s apartment. Other folks also have their early morning errands. "Everything cool ‘bro., buddy." Across the street a youngster walks parallel to me, a transvestite fun-one watches or waits. Probably this early in the morning I look very suspicious walking, talking in a tape recorder like a nark, 5-0, or a guy on a mission. There are lots of people out today some legitimate as I some not - I’ve no time worrying which is which; if not for a kindhearted friend I’d still be in sand-land z-ing out [A favor, to participate in book writing memorial 5 am or sometime later today] "To early" I’m told by my still sleepy friend. I wait as sleep took hold again on both of us. Both of us are out the door by 5:08 am.
The early day has a chill to it glad someone told to ware a coat. In bed clothes still bleary with sleep my friend grumbled about the hour as I try to explain about a 3-hour difference we both have bad feelings this tragic occasion. See low floating fog maybe the sun will burn most of it as daylight begins. But the anniversary maybe cloud cover is needed, something somber, quiet, cloudy, misty, and shrouded. My friend and I hear Scottish Bagpipes and dread weighs heavy on our shoulders. Police in their best dressed blues, Fireman and the same for every citizen inside City Hall. I’m glad I am clean smelling. As I placed items in plastic trays and stood for the now normal pat down procedures I knew my friend is getting more agitated by the second. As for me I did want to write in the book going to New York but compared to someone else’s feeling it becomes a non priority. The biggest flag we’ve ever seen streaming in the middle of City Hall surrounded by all sorts of officials. Mayor Willie Brown eloquent, dignified, solemn, pledge of allegiance, Pat Austin singing. Its all a blur being pulled into an elevator going to the second floor didn’t help me at all. On a bench near my friend did not like this setup. "Didn’t you know that this will be with us for a long time." We go by the backstairs, an elderly black lady handed us buttons with American Flag with stars and stripes and blue skies. We talked as I walked my friend safely home before going to my own. I’m still conflicted as a descendent of Africa in America and knowing our history it feels as if America is going backward or trying to and only scaring us into war. I’ll ware my flag shirt but it does not make me question my countries sanity at this moment. Meanwhile I’m told that a refrigerator will be delivered an I’ll not have to install it to make sure it works. That didn’t work, as a regular sized guy came by with a fridge on a flatbed truck. The paper I signed said "Only Curbside Delivery Service. Up two flights of stairs where it now sits out of its box in a small kitchen. Its grand knowing America still has its sense of humor. I don’t fix, repair, or install kitchen appliances. |
Original Post Date
2002-12-16 12:00 AM
Original Body