Realizing that I was an equal partner in the Navy and not just on the outside looking into someone else’s organization.
I am walking an a warm September evening in the pitch black, I have my runner’s “glow in the dark” vest on to prevent an unintentional mishap on a curb as I plow through the streets. It’s not that late, just dark, there is no moon tonight. It’s become a ritual in the past couple of weeks after 9/11, Rose and I take an evening walk and absorb the situation around us and contemplate how we “are” and at the same time “are not” involved in the events flashing before us on the television, radio, and newspapers. Rose suddenly says with passion, “What do you mean you have to wear the same shoes?” With shock, Rose is astonished that when I wear my Navy uniform I have to wear the same shoes as everyone else, and a purse too – for that manner if you are female!
As simple as it may sound, that statement made me realize how far we have become separated from those that have served in the military and those that have not had the military touch any part of their lives. I am a 22 year veteran, plus four years in Navy (Reserve Officers Training Corps) ROTC at the University of Illinois. 26 years of wearing those black oxfords, though the style has changed, and even the color – sometimes white and even brown depending on the uniform.
Rose had known that I was in the military. We discussed some matters slightly, but the fact that Rose could not even fathom that I had to wear the same shoes as everyone else was a shock to me. Why do we wear the same shoes? Uniformity of purpose, so they fit on the peddles of the cockpit, on the decks of a ship, tradition…
3 comments:
Beth--
I think using the shoes as a metaphor for equality is a fascinating move.
You do a really great job of giving the reader a sense of the setting, the warmth of the evening, the particular historical moment you are writing about, and the shift in consciousness that the narrator has at this particular moment.
I'd love to see the conversation about the shoes unfold in real time--in scene rather than summary (if you decide to revise this piece).
Say more about what the shoes actually look like, how they feel, what the size is, what questions Rose asks, what your response to her is as well as the thoughts and response to her that you don't share with her at that moment.
Shoes are such a great way of showing identity--there's that cliche about walking in someone else's shoes. . .
I love learning about why the shoes are designed the way they are--this gives the reader a sense of why they are important and what their purpose is. That gives me an idea of what the narrator does in the Navy--something specific that I can imagine. I also like how you talk about the shoes changing.
I also wonder about your relationship to Rose--who she is, what she means to you, what it means to her (and your relationship) that she is only understanding now what you do. She may have always known, in an abstract way, what you do, but it seems like she feels threatened or afraid for you, especially in the weeks after 9/11.
Great work!
Beth, BZ! Now why did I use that acronym, becuase it fits in nicely with the backdrop of your writing - the fact that those who have not served have no idea what the military lifestyle is. Few will know what BZ, NEX, and other acronyms the military lives by mean. Also, I was surprised at Rose's reaction. How well does she know you? Another aspect I like is the "we are" and "are not" involved in the events .... Is that also a part of what's going on between you and Rose? Friends, but living separate lives. Intriguing, though I may be reading too much into this. R/Frank
Beth,
While my time in and time of service was modest, I sulute your support of 'tradition.' Thank you for your service to our country.
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