Three years ago. So much has happened in three years, for better and for worse - mostly better; and suddenly, the chapter ends, a new one begins, and we're back on that day again, facing down the same fears of the unknown. The motions and emotions are the same as the last time; what's different is that having learned some lessons, we are (appropriately) more afraid and (hopefully) more prepared. Our defenses are heightened, literally and figuratively.
The city is already emptying; not many cars on the street, there's a palpable, quiet tension in the air and that odd, empathetic 'we're all in this together' connection with everyone you make eye contact with.
What I'd really like to do is stay here with my cameras and be out in the middle of whatever happens; unfortunately that's unlikely as I'm not that kind of adrenaline junkie (and I'm not stocked up with the supplies for that kind of action, truth be told.) Megan left town last night with her roommate; I'll probably leave tonight to join my family in florida. again.
evacuating every now and then, dealing with the fear, is the price we pay for living in New Orleans. i know and accept that - and it's more that worth it, for as long as there's a New Orleans to come back to.
still, i can't say i want to go through this again.
The city is already emptying; not many cars on the street, there's a palpable, quiet tension in the air and that odd, empathetic 'we're all in this together' connection with everyone you make eye contact with.
What I'd really like to do is stay here with my cameras and be out in the middle of whatever happens; unfortunately that's unlikely as I'm not that kind of adrenaline junkie (and I'm not stocked up with the supplies for that kind of action, truth be told.) Megan left town last night with her roommate; I'll probably leave tonight to join my family in florida. again.
evacuating every now and then, dealing with the fear, is the price we pay for living in New Orleans. i know and accept that - and it's more that worth it, for as long as there's a New Orleans to come back to.
still, i can't say i want to go through this again.
posted by Allen at
7:03 AM
1 Comments:
Ah, fuck. Dude, you and Em have been so much on my mind the last few days. I'm kind of surprised at the rush of (really unpleasant) emotions I just had checking WDSU's website and seeing the story of Nagin telling everyone to get the hell out...really vivid flashbacks of trying to decide whether or not to evacuate for Katrina. And a lot of...survivor's guilt for not being there now, I guess, to go through it again with everyone else. Stupid, I know, but still there.
Be safe, Allen. You and New Orleans are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Simeon
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