Dason Smith - Photo by Sparc
DEFINITELY WITH A 'D
By Dason Smith
DEFINITELY WITH A 'D
By Dason Smith
Simply waking up or even living in Ogden is considered
survival by a number of us. Unfortunately, trust is stagnant among some
and ambition is the backseat driver for others. It's constantly there,
shouting at us to do anything, but we ignore the signs. It does take a
special breed of citizen to be here. One who is weary, reflective and
aspiring with a raised eyebrow at the future. Sadly, it can get to the
point when that being shuns his or her purpose here and grows fidgety with
any new idea.
Potential permeates from the streets of this unassuming
haven. One can feel that this city wants to stretch its limbs a little
from being in a restricted but secure fetal position. The ever-present
comfort zone is part of us all to one degree or another. Maybe it's not so
much a matter of defining our enemies anymore as it is recognizing the
friend that just passed us by. Upon the arrival of the Olympics, this
town, and the state for that matter, will no longer be on the edge of no
man's land. A world that has mourned and felt the shockwave with America
is certainly coming, to peek over the Wasatch Mountains and then challenge
us with athleticism, culture, and its mere presence. Their hands, like
ours, will grip the sides of the bobsled, the hockey stick, the ski poles,
and in some cases the gold medal.
Despite all the competition, afterglow of the snow in our
eyes, and the heavy burden of playing host which perhaps some still aren't
ready to play -- will all be holding on to our convictions. The other
nations bring their pasts, burdens, and flags with them as well.
Thankfully, our national colors, more potent in these recent months, will
meld with the others into a flag of peace, rippling in all of our
eyes.
Somebody once told me that Ogden could really be the
heart of something great. Since he hasn't even lived here his entire life
and I have, he had my attention. This insight was coming from an
experienced streetwise fellow who calls San Diego home. Definitely not
old-fashioned but lively and acute, his observation was, and is, weighty.
He believes the facets necessary to produce the desired results are
dormant, in us the people. I don't think he's referring to a revolution in
ideas as more to using and melting our ambition and trust into an eclectic
alchemy.
We have helped to answer the call to America, the
Heartland, after what happened in our backyard called New York. Here on
Historic 25th Street and beyond we get to maybe apply some ointment with a
smile, chins held up just a little, and a shining in our eyes. The world
is going to go away after three weeks that is inevitable as well. It's
guaranteed that more than our food, streets, or mountains they will
remember our hospitality or the lack of it. It's up to each one of us.
Maybe with our privilege set before us, we can recognize that the Games
and the future are now.
Dason Smith can be reached at dksmith@ureach.com
