The Kayaks on the Hudson, prepared for the 9/11 memorial lantern ceremony.
Many of the lanterns swaying on the river are decorated with hearts and wishes for peace. People let them go, but the candles inside light up the thoughts. One proclaims “Not Fair.” The lights from downtown, with the spotlight filling the hole in the air, reflect in the water. I cry at first for the tragedy of humanity. Then I look at a lantern decorated with a child-like drawing of a smiling person, and I cry for the unknown individual it represents.
Some of the lanterns have gone out. Some have died.
The monks keep up a steady chant. Who are they chanting to? Who listens? The chanter, the watcher, a supreme being, the dead?
The traffic and the low planes drown out the oars rippling the water. We all follow an unposted rule of silence. For the silenced. We join them today in this minute. But will we speak tomorrow?
Post a Comment