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| Hypnosis
September 5, 2005
Maine
Maine was a series of stories and often, a tangle of lives. We hit the road knowing the seriousness of the disaster in the Gulf Coast, yet the gravity of the problems hit their hardest as the hours and days unfurled, through the cycling of news footage, the Albany, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and finally Maine National Public Radio coverage, and ever present glow of CNN.
On Thursday night, we sat in the backyard of a century-old farmhouse, listening to the stories of a family we had only known for a number of hours. We closed our eyes as the sun set over the low-lying blueberry patches and wild cranberries, taking in the scent of cornhusks and pine. There were tales of navy expeditions, children growing older, and life in 1970’s Red Hook. We cracked lobster legs and listened, tasted fresh steamers and smiled. Intermittently, the reports of loss and pain floated out through the kitchen television, blanketing each of us, humbling us all.
The sun slipped fully behind the mountains and we were summoned to the backyard. In the murky darkness of night, we stood with our necks craned, surrounded by stars in every direction. J pointed out the Big and Little Dipper, Jupiter, and Venus. We watched the path of planes trace through the constellations. We felt very small. Most of all, with our full bellies and heavy hearts, we breathed the sighs of helplessness that most everyone in the country surely felt.
In the morning, after homemade corn fritters and fresh cantaloupe from the garden, Lex and I packed up our unused microphone and recorder and set out for New York. There would be no footage to log upon our return to Brooklyn. In its place, the simplicity of beautiful company and the warmth of a family to whom we could never express so much thanks.
Posted by callalillie at September 5, 2005 7:04 PM | Introspect
, The World Outside NYC
After John Kennedy was assasinated I knew I would never be the same person I was before that tragedy.
After 9-11, especially living in New York, I knew my life would never be the same and it certainly isn't.
After Katrina, not living in New Orleans or Gulf Port, even I know this country will never be the same.
I cannot take even the basic joys for granted. Not that we ever should but we're only human and tend feel entitled to our lifestyles. My heart aches for my countrymen and women, especially the elderly, the children and the infirm who were trapped and suffered the disgraceful consequences of a delusional admininstration.
I pray I treasure each day and the small gems of everyday life I experience. In that way I hope I will never be the same.
Posted by: Vickie at September 5, 2005 8:46 PM
