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<DIV>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Val<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The poem starts out
with a profound title. Seven has universal significance. It is a finishing
point. The seventh day in which we rest. The seventh year in which we rest our
fields. Seven years of plenty and seven years of famine. The seven year
itch.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But in the case of the
writer’s grief, there is no end. No diminishment. No
relief.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">It is an ode to
everlasting love. As a reader my heart felt the poet’s tears. But it is clear to
me that the poet is satisfied to live in her grief which is carried by this
deepest and tenderest love.</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><BR
style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR
style="mso-special-character: line-break"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Seven<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">vm
10-9-17<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Seven years
you've been gone,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">feels like
seven lifetimes<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">with seven
centuries of tears.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The repetition
of ‘seven’ is powerful.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I've adjusted
to living alone,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">it's not easy
or wrapped<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">in red package
and bow saying<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">"All
done"<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Great verse.
Powerful<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>and
terse.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Today, I miss
your voice,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">your jolly
laugh, listening heart.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Nothing fills
the open spaces you<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">left in my
life,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">so, here's
another "I love you" poem<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">in this
journey of grief.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">A beautiful
love song.</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">________<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p><FONT size=3
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Abbie<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Interesting title. It
invites speculation. We know the garage door was damaged. That’s obvious. So
what is the question? If the little girl did it, will she carry guilt to her
grave? Could this be the king pin that makes her define herself as an evil
person? Is her psyche damaged for all time? If she did not do it, did she learn
that disaster could occur without warning at any time and that the world was a
dangerous place and not to be trusted? Was her sense of security damaged for all
time? Why did the parents leave the motor running? Very irresponsible. Did
social services get wind of this, and if so, was the little girl placed in
foster homes and eventually sold into human trafficking. Did the parent’s go to
jail? Was the family damaged? <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>And
so on, and so on, and so on.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">How old does a kid
have to be to have a baby seat?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If
she leapt back into her seat, she must have felt guilty and have been capable of
telling a lie.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Was the day care
center for children or the elderly and infirm? That would make a big difference
in how I would look at this episode.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>If it were for children, I would assume this was an oversight and that
they will have learned their lesson. If the story is true, did you ever find out
the answer to that question? <o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I enjoyed this
piece.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was a story told with a
minimum of words. It’s a great big question with no
answers.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I can’t see anything I
would change.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><BR>What's
Damaged?<BR><BR>my garage door after a big <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">black truck crashed
into it. <BR>A little girl in the back seat, about four or five, <BR>left alone
while parents were in the day care center next door, <BR>could she, in her
eagerness to be in the driver's seat, <BR>have put the truck in gear,
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">driven up my driveway,
proud as could be, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">slammed into my garage
door, then leaped back into her seat? <BR>She says she didn't, <BR>but only she
knows the truth. <BR>Will she carry her secret to the
grave?<BR>-----<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Brad<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The title is good.
However, in my mind, a goal of restoration is, in a way, a dead end. It means to
restore something to its original condition. It is one of the icons of spiritual
thinking, but getting back to where we were begs the question, “And then what.
We’ve already been here. What was all that in-between stuff
about?</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><BR><BR>Restoration<BR>C
By Brad Corallo<BR>Word count 78<BR><BR>In a far away
place<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The idea of a place is
also a limiting concept. I think the piece is trying to connote something which
can’t be defined geographically. On the other hand, the romantic language of a
far away place does communicate that this place will be very different from
anything we know today in the here and now. It is reminiscent of the Star Wars
introduction. That robs this line of originality. You might try using the word
dimension or universe.</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><BR
style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR
style="mso-special-character: line-break"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">in a moment beyond
time.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">This concept is a
conundrum for which I know of no solution. Poetically, it does a good job of
coming close. As good as possible, probably. You’re using time to describe no
time. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is a limitation of the
human brain, not your poetry. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If you use the word
multi-universe in some way to express, time out of time, it may help partially
deal with the problem. Multiple universe theory is gaining the support of many
scientists, and these universes are likely to have different properties of time
and space. But I think you should keep the poem as it is. It makes the point.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><BR>We will finally
meet<BR>under a gently glowing golden sky.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I’m assuming that we
have already met, but now we are meeting in this new/old predetermined place
described below. A place we have looked forward to
being.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><BR>Together we will
stand, facing.<BR>We will gaze deeply into each other's eyes<BR>and we will know
one another<BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR
style="mso-special-character: line-break"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">even more fully than
we do now.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I wouldn’t make this a
comparative description. Just saying something like, “We will know each other,”
is more powerful.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><BR>We will
smile<BR>and take each other's hands. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">These are two
descriptive, effective lines. I don’t think they were meant necessarily to be
concrete physical descriptions, but rather to express an indescribable meeting
of souls.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><BR>A long forgotten
ancient cord shall ring.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I get
that.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><BR>And at last, all
will be <BR>as it always should have been.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt">
<P
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Here I have a real
problem with the ‘should’ word. It tends to indicate that all of our experiences
up to that time are a waste of time. </SPAN></U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I would prefer to
think that we are gong somewhere, not just <U>trying to get back to where we
were.</U></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><U>Having said all that, I realize that
the best a poem can do is to offer the possibility of knowing the unknowable, or
ineffable. Your poem does that.</U><BR><BR
style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR
style="mso-special-character: line-break"></SPAN></P></DIV>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Alice</SPAN></U></st1:place></st1:City><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The piece was, as
usual, written very well. Although there are some minor questions I’ve
interjected, the story communicates its message clearly, interestingly and
skillfully. However, I had a lot of trouble with the message. I realize that it
is not the job of the critic to comment on the message, but this is a strongly
presented political opinion. The opinion holds together logically if you accept
its major premise. In other words, it is consistent within itself.
Unfortunately, I believe it to be a flawed premise. Nevertheless, I reiterate
that the literary virtue of the story is quite good. I apologize for going
outside the bounds of a critic’s prerogatives.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal align=center><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: black">Taking a Knee on
Halloween</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">by Alice Jane-Marie
Massa<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>A gasp echoed from both sides of the stadium where two elite NFL teams
were playing on a rain-soaked field on the eve of Halloween.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>With a voice touched by sincere concern,
the sportscaster announced, "Darren Roland is down.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He has sustained an injury to his right
knee.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The quarterback of the
Zephyrs is now being carried off the field.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We will have an update on his condition
as soon as possible."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Great set up. It gives a whole lot of information in a
minimum number of words, and it grabs the reader’s
attention.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT size=3
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Drifting in and out of consciousness, Darren Roland tried to recall if
his parents and girlfriend were in the stands.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He thought that they were watching the
game on television; he was worried about their reaction to watching his being
carried off the field.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then, the
pain in his knee surpassed his fuzzy thoughts.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>A short while later, Roland realized that he was in an ambulance--his
first experience with being in the back of an ambulance.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The ride was rougher than he ever
expected. <U>This indicates that he was anticipating the ride and how rough it
would be. Did you intend to say or implicate this expectation? In what ways was
it rougher? Was it a bumpy ride? Was his knee more painful than he thought it
would be?</U><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"Can you tell me what your name is?"<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Despite requiring more effort than usual, he managed to respond in a
raspy voice, "Darren Scott Roland."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black">Was the difficulty partially due to his fuzzy headedness
and/or physical difficulty in speaking?</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"Do you know what today is?"<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"Sure, it's Halloween."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The
quarterback could feel that someone had cut off part of his uniform so that the
EMTs and team doctor could do a preliminary examination of his bleeding
<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black">Good interesting details.</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">and swelling knee.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Darren was grateful to feel all four of his extremities, to feel the
pain.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Suddenly, Darren saw another face--not in medical attire, but in an Army
uniform.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For a few seconds, the
quarterback thought he was seeing a ghost--the ghost of his grandfather who had
been killed in action, in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region
w:st="on">Vietnam</st1:country-region></st1:place>, long before Darren was
born.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"Gramps, is that you?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>What
are you doing here?" Roland asked aloud.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">The ghost drew closer to his grandson and replied, "Yes,
I have been waiting for this moment to talk with
you."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Did his Grandfather’s spirit know that this accident
would occur? Was he waiting for a time when his Grandson would be in and out of
consciousness so that he could communicate with
him?<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"Are you a ... ghost ... or an
angel?"<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The EMT interrupted, "Mr. Roland, are you with
me?"<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"I passed, but I did not pass on yet because I had to meet you
tonight.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>No, I am not an angel
yet.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You may think of me as a
ghost, but I am referred to as a spirit.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>You may just think of me as your grandfather who has come to set your
knee straight, to set you straight," the spirit began to
explain.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black">Pretty authoritarian ghost. He outranks his <BR>Grandson,
and his word is therefore supreme. Did you mean for him to come out so
authoritarian?</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Darren blinked his eyes several times and tried to block the image of his
grandfather's uniformed.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>"ETA
7:07," the younger Roland heard an EMT say.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"Do you see my grandfather here?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>He is wearing his Army uniform."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"I understand that none of your family was at the game tonight.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am sure someone will be at the
hospital with you later," the team doctor
said.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Great description of the misunderstanding of what the
quarterback was trying to ask. In fact, you’ve done a superb job in describing
this three way communication, where one of the participants is unaware of a
third member.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Darren's grandfather continued:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>"What's this about taking a knee?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>You know where you were taught to genuflect--at church.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You put down one knee to genuflect, to
show your reverence and belief in God as you entered church.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then, after genuflecting, you put both
of your little knees on the kneeler to pray.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You kneel at church; you stand for your
country and the flag while the National Anthem is played and sung.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Your family taught you better than
..."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">The writing is great, but the logic is flawed. How can
taking a knee be a sign of respect and reverence in one situation and not in
another; especially since the claims of the knee takers is that it is a sign of
respect?<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"Wait, Gramps, now is not the time and place for that," Darren remarked
aloud.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"Mr. Roland, Mr. Roland, can you hear me?" the EMT asked
again.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"No, Darren, you and your teammates have the time and place all
wrong.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I thought my grandson would
always want to stand to show respect<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>for his grandpa and all who fought for that flag and for our
freedoms.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I thought I would never
have to intervene as ..."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Darren more loudly interrupted:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>"You did it!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You caused my
accident!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>How could you ruin my
career like this?"<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"I am not ruining your career:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>I am here to save your career, to save your life. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Oh, I can see to it that you make a
miraculously speedy recovery if you recover your senses.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You need to go to the VA
Hospital..."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black">Boy, talk about holding a gun to someone’s head, and
telling the victim he’s doing him a favor.</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"You must know that I am not a veteran:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>they are taking me to St.
Anthony's."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"I know where you are going now; however, after your surgery and early
recovery, you need to visit the VA Hospital so that some of those patients can
tell you how much they would like to stand for <I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">The Star-Spangled Banner</I>.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Great guilt trip. My Jewish mother would be
proud.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Some of them emotionally and spiritually stand, but they
cannot physically stand.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you
want to make a difference, want to be an instrument of change--you can begin at
the VA Hospital.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then, you can go
to other places where you can really make a difference:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>at homes and playgrounds in the inner
city, at the Boys' and Girls' Clubs, at the Y, at town meetings, at the
Statehouse, at ..."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Good presentation of options.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"Gramps, I do some of that."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"Not nearly enough, I assure you.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>You may have taken a knee for the last time on Halloween, but I am here
to make 100 per cent positive that you do not take a knee on Veterans' Day and
that you be a leader so that no one else on your team takes a knee on Veterans'
Day.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>By November 11, you will be
out on that field; and with a pair of crutches, you will stand for our country,
our flag, our National Anthem, our active military force, and our veterans.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>God bless them
all."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"I'll be a leader:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I will
stand."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">He caves in too quickly.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>When someone is forced under duress to
make a complete about face, the new direction is apt to be as tenuous as the
first position.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></U></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The EMT insisted, "No, Mr. Roland, you cannot stand
now."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <U>Good
touch.<o:p></o:p></U></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Several hours later, Darren awoke in the hospital room with his head
still spinning and his knee still aching.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>With in a few seconds, he realized that Coach McGuffey was at the
bedside.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>"Coach, I'm sorry
..."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"That fiasco on the field was not your fault.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I already watched the video, and you
..."<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"No, Coach, I am sorry that I have not been standing for the Anthem.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You cannot see him, I suppose; but my
grandfather--who was fatally wounded in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region
w:st="on">Vietnam--</st1:country-region></st1:place> is here with me.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>His spirit is guiding me to do what is
truly right.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As soon as possible, I
want to talk to the team about other ways we can try to initiate positive
changes, about some changes we have to make, about standing for our National
Anthem--especially on Veterans' Day."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">number of words:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>1070<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"
class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">October 21, 2017/revised October 22,
2017<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></P></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>