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My Pandemic Journal 2020

D. Dilworth

My Pandemic Journal…

The South Today

After many years in the city, I find myself in the South, a place where I found relaxing space and a sense of quietness from the city.

Today is different.  I now live in a state of dangerous state of alert that threatens my health and safety.  The virus and the protests together on a united front. Only God could have put these two forces together at the same time.

Folks have been hating and killing for a long time with a same excuse of privilege and hopelessness. We must come together like never before, and the killing must stop.  There is, already plenty to lose.

Today, I received a text telling me that ‘Stonewall is coming down’. 

I was actually in the garden when the call came in, and definitely not prepared.  I grabbed my camera and my phone; forgetting my water, I rushed out the door. It must have been 90 plus degrees and a lot of people were gathering around Arthur Ashe Boulevard watching the heavy crane as it positioned itself behind the massive statue.  I moved closer and soon I realized that this was not an act by protesters, but one by the mayor. Nice move.  After passing a vote to remove confederate statues in Richmond this morning. It was happening now and now.

I stood there with my mouth open for a minute before snapping away at history being made, changed and observed.

There were many reactions in the crowd. Some in disbelief and others celebrating.  I was guilty of both.

It took hours and pouring rain for the General to retreat to over 1000 onlookers. Finally, the last bolt was loosened and in an instant, he was loaded onto a flatbed and carried away, peacefully.

Happy Birthday Mom!  I wish you could have been there!

D.Dilworth

July 1, 2020

Summer’s Rain

It was over 100 degrees today. It was miserable all day.  I rode my bike, briefly, and then I watered the garden.  There was the Zoom meetings and the thought of school being opened that filled my time for the rest of the hot day. 

About 7pm, I received a text from a friend that there was a musical performance at the monument in honor of Elijah McClain.  I jumped up, grabbed my gear and bolted out the door.  It was a very organized event with some very talented local musicians.  There were violins, cellos, and beautiful people. It was wonderful and it was peaceful.

Elijah was a musician. He also, played the violin. He was just a kid when he died.  His life really was just beginning.  I didn’t know about him until recently. I have been following his story ever since.  I could feel the energy around me. I know that this young man will not be forgotten.

As I walked from the Lee Monument, streaks of lightening filled the sky.  It was beautiful and it was dramatic!  The thunder roared, and it began to rain.  I paused and looked up and let the rain hit my face. After, about ten hot days, finally rain came, and I thought about Elijah.

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