Inauguration Journal - Day 3

Anthony Atwood's Inauguration Journal - Day 3

SUNDAY 4JAN09: Holiday Routine. Sunday has provided a good amount of sleep and a quiet morning. Looking out the window of the apartment house over a cup of coffee, across the river the most prominent sight standing up on the horizon are the spires of the National Cathedral. That is where I go.

The National Cathedral is one very large important church. Your steps echo in the vaulted nave going down into the underground chapels and cloisters. There are stained glass windows and tapestries of King David. There are church groups who come here from around the world and sing before the altar of God. The voices sound out of this world. The cathedral has the best acoustics in the land.

Coming back by surface streets though the bohemian neighborhood of Georgetown, there are a lot of folks out and about walking. I pass a bookstore, a “City Lights” kind of independent shop with a few rod-iron sidewalk tables out front where people are having espresso. The giant storefront window is entirely taken up by a huge poster of the iconic face of President-elect Obama, with a set jaw and a compelling expression.

Above the poster are these words: “Yes, we did.”

Now is a good time to articulate the rules of engagement for this journal. It is written and keyed in completely during off-duty hours, and done entirely on a private computer. The AFIC is aware that it is being created. It will conform to all the guidelines, norms and regulations that apply. Any value it may have is the result of the generosity of the American armed forces, the kindness of the Emmaus Brother* who is willing to share posting it, and to the inspiration of you who may read it. The flaws are all my own.

The spires of the cathedral glimmer in the dusk. Taps. Taps. Lights out.

Taps

"Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night.

"Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

"Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* - I knew it was a mistake not to discuss my fees up front-JC