…8:27pm…Tompkins Square Park… a pile of roses and a metal hanger; a memorial for those who didn’t have, or don’t have, access to safe and legal abortion.
i passed this on the way back to my car, which for the past twenty-five years i always park in the same area. i got to the city in the afternoon, then took my usual route, walking down Bleecker past Robert Frank’s old studio. a couple of strides down Bleecker i saw a young woman in tears hugging someone, who i assume was her mother, in front of the Planned Parenthood office. i respectfully averted my eyes down as i walked by. the mother was consoling the young woman. since this was happening in front of Planned Parenthood, i assume it had to do with abortion. all day i thought about women’s access to abortion and the restrictions they now face over their own bodies. the state now controls what choices they have over their health. hours later, walking back to my car, i saw this memorial dimly illuminated by the lanterns in Tompkins Square Park. felt like it brought the day to a close.
Tags: New York