LEAVING MY COUNTRY
By Jose Izidro Martins
The departure lounge was perfectly clean and had aligned blue seats, matching the floor, which were an invitation to everybody to take them and enjoy. It was possible to hear people speaking in different languages softly, and what they were saying was a little bit unclear. The atmosphere was quiet, and big lights on the ceiling allowed everyone’s face to light up. Sometimes, one could see that everyone was comfortable and trying to fall asleep. Four flat screens were broadcasting wonderful and colorful pictures that seemed to dispute the preference from anyone who wanted to watch them, sleep or even who wanted to read. A huge black and white panel emitted an interrupting sound, causing a constant change in numbers and letters, offering anyone who wanted a free up grade in world geography.
However, now and again, a particular and electronic voice invaded our place indicating it was time for someone either to awake up or stand up and go away. A lone person, a couple, or even a group could be seen leaving the lounge and others taking their seats. Frequently, everybody was seen leaving and never looking back. They just left.
Over there, with my eyes fixed on a special and virtual screen, I was watching two kids crying and hugging their dad. The father was trying to tell them how important his decision of going away was and promising them to come back as soon as possible. The kids seemed to understand him even though that was causing them a forlorn missing feeling. It was a real hard time.
There were too many tears , when, suddenly, the father looked into his kids’ in the eyes, kissed them, turned around and didn’t look back. He just left.
The electronic voice, again, was invading the room where I was, and advised me that it was my time to go. Go forward my destiny!
I looked at my tickets, checked on the big panel, Miami / USA, and following others, just kept looking ahead.
New challenges were soon to be started. I could still hear some hiccups but it was too late. My airplane was almost taking off.
If someone asks me either how much my airplane shook when it took off, who was beside me or what the stewardess was saying, unfortunately, I can say nothing.
Jose Izidro Martins – LVA-Danbury/CT - USA
March/31/2009