414:89) Surfin' Berg Date: 01-FEB-94 16:29 We park the car and walk along the path, despite the night wind ripping through our coats, despite the warning signs about the ice, despite our fear at being somewhere we shouldn't. Fuck it. When will we get this chance again? We scale the steps and look at Tom, fenced off and scaffolded in. We can't read his words from here, and can't enter his sanctuary. So we turn around and pass the guard in his hotbox--the only other person around. Down the steps, around the barrier and to the edge. We try cutting through the mist and fog to the buildings across the way, but it's no use. Instead, we enjoy what's here. Lights on the water and half-reflected trees. You've never seen it like this, and I've never seen it at all. Well, maybe once as a child, but I don't remember what it was like. We hold hands and kiss gently. It's quiet, and the allure of the frozen tidal basin is almost too much for me. I inch closer. I wonder what it would be like to jump in. I wonder if you would follow me. I wonder if I'd take you down with me. But you hold me back, then lead me to safety behind a waist-high wall. You lean on it. I crane to look at the ice. I want to break through the cold hard surface and swim. Despite the cold. Despite the warning signs. Despite the fear. Despite it all, I want us to swim in the icy water. Fuck it. When will we get this chance again? - - - - - 414:90 ) Gabriel Date: 02-FEB-94 14:07 (Man, I wish I could write like that. Beautiful post, Steve.) (Sorry hosts. Had to say something.) - - - - - 414:91 ) False Bottomer Date: 02-FEB-94 22:51 It's someplace you'd like to be. It's someplace you've never been. - - - - - .