Sixties Chick

This week the PECO Tower went dark and remained so for a couple of days. Just like that, there were no more ticker-tape messages streaming through my living room window demanding my attention. Got to tell you, it was a welcomed break from the endless promos —  a 25th anniversary celebration  for this, a tri-state conference for that, a walk for yet another cure. All worthy causes, but still.

I thought for a moment that the blackout might be signaling the impending apocalypse – a construct on the minds of more than a few at the moment, but no, not yet.

After paying close attention to the darkened tower during those days, checking to see if it was back to its old self, there appeared the strangest post on the the very last day of the shutdown.It was an appeal of sorts, and it was directed to me.

“Dear Sixties Chick,” it began to my utter amazement.  “As we enter the new year, we ask that you find a new, stronger resolve – to keep calm and centered, to stay out of fear, to not despair. To do so, continue to sit quietly and go within.”

Holy Shit,” I gasped realizing that PECO had been spying on me for some time.

The illuminated message continued to roll out. “In 2017, you are to take a stand, once again and LOUDER than ever: NO MORE WAR, NO MORE WAGE SLAVES, DEBT SLAVES or any other kind of SLAVES, and NO MORE RAPING THE PLANET. We ask you to  keep a sharp eye out for all the many manifestations of greed here at present and the lies that cover it up.”

“How can I serve will be your question du jour. At this defining moment in history, gather up your gifts and go at it. However you decide to show up; you are to do so with love and all the joy you can muster.”

“But I caution you. Be on the lookout for that tricky ego of yours. Don’t be fooled. Catch the judgements, the hubris, the need to be right. The untruths you tell from time to time.  Please ask yourself – though I know it stings – is this the Trump in me?”

“Oh fuck,” I muttered, “must I?”

“Yes, you must!” came the response. “Change yourself, you change the world.”

“Remember too to take good care of yourself,” added the illusive phantom of the Tower. “Eat well, dance, oil that body. There’s a lot of work ahead, and as you and I both know, you ain’t getting any younger!”

“And so, a very Happy New Year to you, Sixties Chick. Go fill it up with light. PECO”