This is a short blurb I wrote a few days after the infamous Paris Attacks in November of 2015. Anna and I were in Ireland when it happened. It was a terrible day. We visited Paris about a week after the attacks. It is a lovely city. German bombs from both wars couldn’t destroy Paris, and neither could a few ruffians with hate in their hearts.
Almost a week ago, I went on a tour of the Belfast City Hall with Anna. I forgot about it for a moment there until the England vs France football match showed on the television tonight.
While we toured the Hall, we visited the assembly room, where representatives from the districts voted. Someone had left the microphones on in the room. As we were leaving this goofy, irreverent girl began to sing a song in French. “Allons enfants de la Patrie, Le jour de gloire est arrivé !” She giggled as she sang it low, so as not to awake security and have her booted from the tour. Then I remembered the song. I was aghast and embarrassed at the impertinence of this girl. Belittling this city by singing her national anthem. I avoided looking at her or associating with her. She was such a silly college student. Now I think of her and I wonder how she is. I would bet she is alive and I hope she is, though now I think things will have changed for her. I think now if she sings this song it won’t come from a place so carefree, so innocent. I imagine she has the steel resolve we felt after 9/11. Her heart is broken and her illusion of safety is shattered. If I could go back to that day just a week ago, I would… But I would let you sing again, young, beautiful, brown haired girl. When you were innocent. I would turn the speakers up and giggle with you. I will learn the words to La Marseillaise, brown haired girl. If I ever see you again, and you begin to sing, then I will too.
Storied By Josh 