It’s funny how, here, in Longview, Texas, a hole in the clouds during a summer storm can mirror the same extraordinary effects as the fall of the twin tours. The town lacks a trademark, tall skyscrapers and pointless attractions. Those of us here are born and raised or brought here without our own accord. Although the new generation enjoys the perks of their adolescence, most days are spent pacing across pavement as familiar to them as their own palm. A midnight moon approaches and still they stand, while a sliver of their momentary entertainment illuminates their fresh faces. Consecutive cigarettes are ignited and they continue to contemplate the same scripted conversations about plans and activities following. Each of them is restless. Restless for change, achievement, and wealth. Whether at the time this restlessness is due to a much needed change in the music selection at a local store where maybe here they can achieve a CD lost on special order or wealth so they might be able to purchase it, gas and cigarettes. It's life without purpose almost.

Longview, They’re caught in the middle of nowhere.

They act on sudden impulse, an effect of striving for a destination hoping that someday the impulse will lead them far far away. Scores later this generation will come stumbling back looking for that familiar house that played the set of a much regretted adolescent activity or dull parking lot transformed into a safe haven for no good misfits. The same roads they traveled in their shitty hand-me-down "rides" years before they now travel in their BMW’s and minivans, now fully equipped with a family, an education and/or a purpose. One day this generation will look back and realize that towns resembling Longview are home. Nothing more, nothing less. Home, where memories were fertilized and friends were chained to their heart.