Shoelaces

Here I stand and pause. Briefly, I look back and consider all I am leaving behind, friends and family, and chaos and grief. I could go back but….

Instead, I turn north and there stands the officer dressed in olive green, his weapon at the ready. Whatever lies beyond the line, there is at least hope and possibilities.

He hands me a one-gallon plastic bag and firmly announces you may take the clothes you are wearing, but remove your shoelaces and stuff whatever you can into the bag. Everything else stays south of the line.

Welcome to chaos and opportunity.