I always remember being in DC on 9/11, and all we went through after that. Those with whom I lived and studied know best what I mean, those AK-47s in front of embassies in DC, those multiple bomb threats and blizzards, the sniper and anthrax and local neighborhood homicides and needles.
Today I received a text message from my kid's teacher at 6:50 AM. "It's PATRIOT DAY! Wear red white blue!"
Intensely annoyed as I lifted and dug through shirts in my drawer
I did not want to be subjected to more scrutiny on my dress than usual
I did not want to think about clothing much today.
Maybe I was annoyed because maybe I'm more sensitive today than other days, too.
Dropping the kids off, I looked around the playground.
Kids were wearing green and pink, red and blue, black and gray
A bit of this and that
Whatever they wanted to wear.
Parents and grandparents in suits, in comfy clothing
Same as every other day
Saying hello.
And I felt so happy
Probably a part of me that really appreciates
truth as freedom