We Were There

The trucks rolled in with barricades and Coke, chain link fencing, banners, and jackets. Every conceivable gadget displaying torches, rings, and mascots were printed or silk-screened and we watched Main Street change from busy businesses to a quaint village. People moved from trains to busses, from heated doorways to ice crystalled air. Cities celebrated and we cheered as the flame ran through our State. We stood in the cold watching instant replays and crossed our fingers every time our athletes queued up. We prayed for safety and for success. We met strangers on trains and in lines. We dodged traffic. We warmed ourselves with glove liners and fleece hats and we warmed the Nation with hospitality. We sang, we smiled, we served.