Occasionally, there are events and people that I watch from the sidelines and feel so disappointed that I will never know or be a part of. When both Nina Simone and Heath Ledger passed away, I was devastated. I realized then my dream to know them, interview them, would never come true.
Tonight, I am feeling this way about tomorrows historical event. Barack Obama officially becomes president and I would have loved to be in Washington right now to soak up the vibe. All over the television you see this huge party going on, amazing performers, Springsteen, Usher, poets, activists, citizens. People from all over the U.S. and the world have traveled down to Washington. I can only imagine the love affairs blossoming, the stories for one's future children and grandchildren, the friendships forged that will last a lifetime. Even though it's bitter cold outside everyone is buoyed by excitement, and yes that over used but important word, hope.
It is not a coincidence that Reverend Martin Luther King Junior's day fell on the eve of this inauguration, 45 years after the "I have a dream" speech. It is not a coincidence that this is the year of the Ox and Obama was born in the year of the Ox in 1961. It is not a coincidence that after over 40 years of film, music, and lives from every race mixing together, that we now have a U.S. president that seems to represent a little piece of so many of us. I find it so funny how many women, and men, of different backgrounds would love a little romp with Mr. President Barack Obama. Who knew that global lust could unite the world! How wonderful.
And while I won't be there tomorrow, I will be wearing my Obama buttoned and be happy in the knowledge that when I am a big writer one day, I will meet him.
