Last night I witnessed a proud, new ascent. Last night I witnessed the future, one I have foreseen. Last night I witnessed proof of the next New World. At least I know what will come next and love their music, dance, wildly bright, complementary colors, art, and joy in victory. They didn't even need to segregate us to the back rows. Those present among us are the good sports, conscious of handing over our blighted torch. I hope they outdo us. I hope their culture will not segregate on the basis of wealth if not skin color. I hope for a better world. The pinnacle of culture is always flamboyantly lovely. But I hope they transcend us rather than simply come next and overthrow us.
I hope for change, for anger to yield to higher truths. I hope for a truly enlightened society, not just a word, not just icons of dead white men.
But I won't be here in fifty years let alone the future accomplished and its subsequent decline into decadence.
I want them to change the rules established by that first enlightenment, fifth-century Athens: "History repeats itself," among other sad truths.
I hope that God will bless them in a way that we were too little to be blessed.
Yesterday I sniffed change and only pray for improvement along with it, not just difference and new beauties but improvement.
I got far more than I bargained for last night and far less. Anxiety and hope instead of tears. Anxiety and hope I hope are not too quixotic.
Quite a birthday present--the new present.
(C)
From more photography, please visit http://www.wordsunltd.com, blog 21 May 2010
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