A Walk in the Park

May 7, 1968
by Amy

After I arrive at the office each morning, I get coffee for Glasses. He likes his black, which is easy. There's a coffeeshop across the street, and it's not that much of a hassle.

This morning, Glasses asked me to take a walk with him. Instead of going across the street, we walked to Grant Park. We both lit cigarettes and walked slowly. He asked me how things were with Coleman and if my wrist had finally stopped hurting. Instead of hurting, it itches now. I keep a pencil with me at all times so I can scratch underneath my cast. He agreed with me that the worst part of the healing process is the itching.

I thought of telling him about my Father but he seemed to have something else on his mind. So I let it go for the moment.

When we finally got to the park, he changed the conversation. He started off by telling me that he admired my work for the Movement, that he knows I feel passionately about things and my dedication is not in question. But he's taking some of the core group out for walks so we can assess where we are and where we're going.

"So I just want to check in with you."

I told him that things were fine. I was depressed for a while but things are better now.

"Because I want you to know things are going to get rougher for us. There may be more of that," he said, pointing to my wrist. "I don't doubt your dedication, but we have to be prepared for being penalized. If the Peace Parade is any indication, we're going to be have a rough summer. We need to start the paperwork now, for August. Permit apps. Everything. But before we begin, I want to make sure that you are alright with what could happen."

I told him I was, but then he put up his hand. "I want you to think about it for a day or two. Look at the worst case scenarios. Really think about it Amy. Because we're going ahead for the summer and I don't want you to do something you're going to eventually regret."

I thanked him for being very direct with me. He reiterated that it wasn't about me personally, that he was asking all members of the Core group. "We probably have some rough days ahead."

As we headed out of the park, he stopped for a moment. "By the way, you should be careful about what saying anything important in the office. We believe the place is bugged."