I recently found this piece that I wrote in late September of 2001…
Lonely Up Here
It is lonely up here.
At first I was upset when they came on the scene. There were always comparisons. They took over the title. But over the years I gradually realized that it wasn’t really that important. What was important was that they belonged; they became a part of us. Their existence was defined with such elegance and grace. The scene was complete.
Now, as I look to the south I can’t help but miss my friends. They made everything so balanced. They are gone. New friends will come, but these guys were special. They were up here with me for such a long time that I never really think they can be replaced. It just won’t be the same. We’ll always be viewed differently.
What a shame for such a tragic ending. They caused no harm and made no enemies. They did their best to protect their loved ones. They stood their ground. They sheltered and fed. They oversaw creation and triumph, and finally were overcome in death and grief. They did all they were ever supposed to do. And just like that, they are gone. Never forgotten, just gone.
It’s lonely up here.
Boy do I miss them now. There is a gaping hole where they once were. It will be years before any new friends will take their place. In the meantime I must get comfortable with my new, and old, role of being the leader once again. It just will never be the same.
Signed,
The Empire State Building
Written by Kevin L. Murphy in late in September of 2001
