Clear and Close

Baltimore is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the onslaught of Fort McHenry.  That’s the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.  He didn’t know that ‘s what he was doing back on September 14, 1814, and I didn’t know so many people were moved enough by the tune to celebrate it and the Battle of Baltimore more enthusiastically than any July 4th of recent memory.

There were fireworks from every conceivable launching point in the waterways of the harbors and points that form miles of city coastline.  I caught the first sights and sounds of them from the passenger seat on the way home from grabbing some chow.

The ones around the corner from the house, across the street from the seafood joint where my son used to work, were clearer and closer.

But the ones I always like best are those that are set off from the water walkway three blocks from my stoop.

My neighborhood is loud and boisterous during celebratory times for the city.  But that’s part of what makes it convenient and cool!