New Years 2000 with the Kount
Its 00:00 AM January 1, 2000 Alice Robertson Elementary School, Tulsa Oklahoma USA
I have come back to the point where I first remember contemplating
the new millennium
It was on this playground when I was
6 years old that I remember wondering if I would be alive when
the year 2000 rolled around. And I had no idea that I would come
back alone to this playground to experience the first few minutes
and celebrate not only my life but the planet's life as well.
I think we have at least 2 birthdays every year: 1.) Our bellybutton
birthday 2.) The birthday of humanity.(new years). Strange we
would base these yearly numbers on a combination of the position
of the stars and by the amount of our fingers or toes.
It is a time for clarity, for me to reflect and to express gratitude
for life. The whole world must be celebrating and wishing the
best for humanity. I think about a couple of my best friends who
didn't make it (Art Wolff and Ed Derrick) and a few other friends
as well. And even Willie C. The school bully who tortured me and
others in Junior High School
I heard quite a few years
back he took his own life
very sad I would much rather
he be here.
As I sit and look at the playground I notice the changes of 38
years as well as the few things that haven't changed.
It
is a crisp clear night.
As I look out away from the center
of our milky home, I can see all the beautiful bright winter stars
in the Orion galactic arm. My breath is visible and I feel grateful
it is such a calm night it must be 36 degrees F. (+2 C) with no
wind. I notice the "jungle gym" and the baseball backstop,
which appears to be the originals that I played with. The backstop
has a sign hanging on its backside. It says, "Robertson Raiders,
city champions of 1983 and runner-ups in 1984"
That
team has been around since 1962. I was playing for the rival team,
the Robertson Braves. I'll post pictures on the site. Excuse me
while I indulge.
There is much racket in the air of this poor white redneck neighborhood.
I am reminded of where I am by all the gunfire. I even hear one
machine gun. But now as the firecrackers and gunshots subside
I hear mostly freight trucks rambling down the interstate. In
this quiet I am startled to hear one young voice in the distance
yell, "Happy New Year!" as he peeks out his front door
and cheerfully bounces his voice through the dark neighborhood.
Its obvious he thinks no one will notice his offering but he wishes
the world's ears were open. Mine are open and I hope his young
spirit will act as a trim tab and guide his generation into heart
felt awareness of the world's needs.
Well a toast to my family and friends who I am fortunate enough to share this blip of time in the spectrum of eternity.
The Kount