I’m heading home this evening, it’s Monday. I’m leaving the office late and I'm really looking forward to being at home. There’s a storm brewing. The wind has picked up and it's beginning to rain. It’s downright nasty out. I’m listening to Russian composers on the CD in my truck; Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, somehow it seems appropriate in November.
I think about my “great idea”, The Blackberry Chronicles. It was cool back in summer when the days were long and bright. Now it’s dark when I leave for work and it’s dark when I get off work. "How will I ever get a shot now?"
Of course doubt has a visit and I question myself. It’s a Blackberry, no fancy shutter speeds, zoom, or focus. Just point and shoot. I remind myself that the purpose of this exercise is more of a reporter than a fine arts photographer. Regardless I hail my imaginary audience with a, "take your art and shove it!". It’s not a picture, it’s a photograph. I took the shot and you got to be there, right?
I drove my usual route totally absorbed about being at home. Visibility totally sucked and the lights glared off the dark wet streets. It was hard to see and challenged my patience.
Okay, a little poetic license is in order here. It’s not really a Knight’s Vigil, nor was it a vision, but it did appear as I drove up Benson Road not expecting to stop for road construction. Who works on a night like this?
Then... there he was, standing tall with stop sign in hand like a medieval lance. On the walkie talkie with a coworker a ¼ mile up the road.
The wind rocks my truck side to side as it begins to pour. I'm thinking, "Now there's a guy who wishes he were home right now." Yet, here he stands guiding impatient commuters up and down this dark hill, on a dreary night. My angst follows the wind.
Thank you my Knight this stormy eve. Thanks for being vigil and guiding me safely home.
The Blackberry Chronicles
© ARFCO MEDIA 2010
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