We write from a prompts. We get 8 or 10 minutes to write. The prompt, this time, was Cardigan
I long for the day when a national crisis was – ordinary. When the worst thing that happens is that we run out of fuel oil. Or have to pay twice or three times what we used to pay.
I long for the day when Jimmy Carter would put on his cardigan and speak to us on television. I can’t even remember his phrase. I can’t remember what we made fun of him for.
I long for the day when the solution was simple. Turn down the thermostat. Keep it cool. Later, in the summer, we can turn up the thermostat. Keep it warm.
I long for the day without the terrible duality we experience. We keep our distance. We keep stay away from crowds. Because – I might be in danger. Someone might have the disease. Because – others might be in danger. I might have the disease.
I long for the day when our lives weren’t in danger from something that seems like an ordinary cold. These are sniffles that no one would notice in the past. This seems like a bad movie.
I long for the day when I am not living in something that seems like a bad movie.