Stranded on Ice (Blogophilia 50.4)

Watching the colors
Fade to away
To white.
Knowing I wouldn't
Make it home.

It didn't matter.
Freed from the routine
I greet my neighbor.
Give a push.

And at the Waffle House
I pray for the waitresses
To deliver my coffee
Hot and fresh
In the crush.

The antipathy of anonymity
Is long past.
This isn't virtual life
Only real life.

Where we are
Accountable,
To ourselves
And others.  
And where when
We feed each other
We feed ourselves.

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2014 at 5:23 PM

    Firsties!

    Irene

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2014 at 5:25 PM

    Well done, Christopher!

    Irene

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tyler MyrthFebruary 2, 2014 at 5:33 PM

    The stories from your town were mind boggling, but there were some great moments of people taking care of each other

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another Government EmployeeFebruary 2, 2014 at 5:39 PM

      You would think people would learn. You can't dump 2 million cars on a street grid designed by a drunken spider and expect to get home. My wife was frantic, but I just shrugged my shoulders. I've had to do this before.

      Delete
  4. sueFebruary 2, 2014 at 5:37 PM

    that was quick! I didn't see the stories about the storm but it was quite an experience and makes sense for your bloggy to be on the subject. i know what you meant by the last part but had to read it a few times to make sure. Mind you my brain isn't working anyway so maybe I should re read it later.

    signed babbling brook sue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another Government EmployeeFebruary 2, 2014 at 5:41 PM

      There were a lot of situations of people opening up their homes and churches and what not to the stranded. It was the exact opposite of the virtual reality. People stepped up with what was needed.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2014 at 10:03 PM

    I'm glad you got home, finally. What a nightmare. -David II

    ReplyDelete
  6. trevFebruary 3, 2014 at 2:09 AM

    the joy you get from helping others when you can is always a good feeling...
    but we don't get the chance to do it very often as routines and busy lifestyles take precedence in our existence to survive...
    it takes a disastrous event to give us the chance to be helpful to others... and to appreciate human nature at its best...
    I could see the desperateness in your words at first.. being forced out of your routine..
    then the acceptance of peoples help settling the situation into a world of human kindness ... indeed a harrowing but awesome episode for you Christopher.. I'm so pleased you're not hurt my friend... brilliant read pal.. loved the feeling it gave me.. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. StevenFebruary 3, 2014 at 3:45 PM

    Love that line "antipathy of anonymity". Although being anonymous is a good thing some times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another Government EmployeeFebruary 3, 2014 at 5:28 PM

      It is a documented effect of virtual reality and gaming. Because there is no true emotional investment in the bits and bytes, the human tendency towards antipathy (vs.empathy) is enhanced. You see it in blog comments all the time.

      Delete
  8. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2014 at 11:49 PM

    The spirit of humanity to help others in times of need is refreshing to know. Hope the coffee helped you make it through! 8 points Earthling! :)
    Marvin

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownFebruary 7, 2014 at 11:55 AM

    Beautiful and poignant indeed. Great way to begin my Friday.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2014 at 11:41 AM

    Very nice write.

    ~~DJ

    ReplyDelete

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