I am, newly, a Phoenician. Supposedly the name applies equally to both a nation of ancient Mediterranean seafarers and to residents of Arizona's largest city. No kidding:
Also Phoenicians
The name has a neat ring to it, but carries very tangible consequences. Sometimes, if I'm sitting in a McDonald's or perusing a grocery store, I forget and think I'm back in Michigan. Just good old Michigander Scott. Mitten-born, Mitten-raised. Better finish up so I can get home and see Ma and Pa, Sis and the dog. Ma will soon be home from work; Dad is cooking. Sis is probably watching the Tigers game...
The illusion lasts until I walk outside. Tall, spiky palms line the parking lots and street, sandy red mountains tower in the distance, and the relentless sun bakes everything. At that point I remember: YOU ARE STANDING IN A DESERT IN ARIZONA. YOU ARE 'FROM' HERE--YOU LIVE HERE. WHAT'S MORE, ALL OF THIS IS BECAUSE YOU ARE A NOW A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL.
Each is a truth that will take some adjustment. But I am ready.
The illusion lasts until I walk outside. Tall, spiky palms line the parking lots and street, sandy red mountains tower in the distance, and the relentless sun bakes everything. At that point I remember: YOU ARE STANDING IN A DESERT IN ARIZONA. YOU ARE 'FROM' HERE--YOU LIVE HERE. WHAT'S MORE, ALL OF THIS IS BECAUSE YOU ARE A NOW A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL.
Each is a truth that will take some adjustment. But I am ready.
No comments:
Post a Comment