Union Station, Washington DC – Photo Courtesy of Lubyanka
I passed through Union Station in DC last June on my way to meet with our state’s representatives and senators. It is a monument to both change and endurance. The activity level is steady, as passengers embark and disembark in droves – 40 million each year. The building continues to serve as a hub of busy business into its second century. It could be seen as the heart of our nation’s capital – or at least a part of the circulatory system!
Word Count: 102
Soldiering On
I rise from the basement where the Metro station is located, footsore and weary. Like being born anew, I emerge from a narrow tunnel into the light, the heat, the frenzy that is DC in session. Blinking, I adjust to this new world, steeling myself for action.
I carry with me facts and figures, details to persuade, cajole, and encourage my legislators to continue funding cancer research. What they cannot see are the hearts I carry with me. Father, mother, sister – I am their standard bearer, their voice, advocating for those who can no longer speak.
Time to soldier on.
Please check out the links to all the other Flash Friday Fictioneers, which can be found here.
© Erin Leary
erinlearywrites 
Not everyone is simply going from A to B, and you brought this across perfectly Erin. Well done.
Thanks, Sandra. I like to watch people and wonder, sometimes, what they carry with them that is not seen.
Lovely sentiments, Erin. And good work going on. I was glad to hear that the station is still thriving and I am sure it is buzzing on today of all days.
Yes, it is still functioning and more beautiful than ever. I feel a little like Harry Potter when I use a subway – popping up to the light, I feel like I’m in the flue network….
Loved it all. So eloquently written – and extra beautiful because (if I’m not mistaken) your story isn’t fiction.
You are correct – and somehow, I feel like I cheated a little!
Very well captures the heart and mind of a lobbyist working for something she believes in (instead of just lower tariffs for trampoline sets). Soldier on for the hearts you carry with you!
Thank you, Perry. It’s easy to lobby for something you believe in.
Carry on, soldier. Carry on.
Thank you, Russell.
I liked this very much! Very meaningful message, creatively told.
Favorite line/imagery: “the hearts I carry with me.”
My daughter had an assignment in one of her English classes to write a poem with the prompt ‘What I Carry with Me.’ it was in my mind when that line emerged.
As you soldier on you carry a few of my families hearts also who no longer have a voice. Great story and purpose!
Thanks, Javkie – I know it helps us all!
Dear Erin,
I cry easily and i am there now. Lovely story. Thank you for soldiering.
aloha,
doug
Thanks, Doug. I appreciate it. Even though I cheated a little and wrote a non-fiction entry…..
Dear Erin,
Well written and heartfelt. I enjoyed this immensely.
shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, Rochelle. I appreciate you reading. Favorite name of the week: Sunnyside-up. 🙂
Hi Erin, feelings and hearts are so hard to carry forth… but facts speek load as well… The combination gives result.
Thank you, Bjorn!
Hi Erin,
Interesting and different take on the photo! Ron