Yes We Did
I was in Times Square with a couple people from the New York Arts Program. One hundred thousand men and women surrounded us, screaming and dancing on telephone booths. People chanted using three syllables: "O-BA-MA," "U-S-A," "YES-WE-CAN," and "YES-WE-DID."
I cried as I read the enormous screen beneath the Coca Cola sign. The speech made by Obama, our President Elect, was close-captioned. A gay friend yelled when Obama mentioned "gay and straight people." Obama went on to mention disabled Americans and the cynicism that has permeated the country. The surreality of that moment has crystallized in my mind.
Walking back to 8th Ave, I realized again that this isn't a dream. Everything feels more real; colors are brighter and smells are sharper. I informed Julia and Jay the sidewalk and the lamppost were beautiful before we stopped at Molly Wee's.
My apathy toward the presidency these past two terms feels like nearly a decade of sleepwalking.
The 21st century started eight years late. I'm awake, now, and relieved for tonight.
I cried as I read the enormous screen beneath the Coca Cola sign. The speech made by Obama, our President Elect, was close-captioned. A gay friend yelled when Obama mentioned "gay and straight people." Obama went on to mention disabled Americans and the cynicism that has permeated the country. The surreality of that moment has crystallized in my mind.
Walking back to 8th Ave, I realized again that this isn't a dream. Everything feels more real; colors are brighter and smells are sharper. I informed Julia and Jay the sidewalk and the lamppost were beautiful before we stopped at Molly Wee's.
My apathy toward the presidency these past two terms feels like nearly a decade of sleepwalking.
The 21st century started eight years late. I'm awake, now, and relieved for tonight.