The Temple of Time was burned tonight. It was constructed over two weeks in January/February. I went to see it on February 14. The art installation was always intended to be burned; it was made possible by artist David Best through a grant from the Bloomberg Foundation.
We got to City Hall around 6p. I wasn’t hungry, so my husband took the kids to have dinner. I walked around and took it all in. I wasn’t sad, I wasn’t really feeling anything. I guess I was just numb. There were therapy dogs from school there; when I met up with my other three, that’s right where we went. We talked to the handlers/owners, and my kids gave the dogs some love.
The ceremony began around 7:45, with speeches by Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook, Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky and David Best. Once they were done speaking, the burn began.
There were people around me crying – some sniffling, some sobbing. It was emotional, but I didn’t cry. I sent a text to my students letting them know that I was there. I told them that if they were there, that I hoped it brought them peace and healing.
I saw some students, and stood with my friend Tammy. Tammy teaches in the room next to me; I ended up with ten of her students that day. We spoke a little about that while waiting for the burn to begin.
I’m sad to see such an intricate and beautiful structure go, but I know it was time. That was the whole design and purpose behind it. People went in to leave notes, messages, objects, photos, etc., all with the knowledge that the site would be burned. The fire represented an end to all of the feelings left inside of the Temple of Time. It also represents a rebirth, a hopeful renewal of our spirit and strength as a community.
I’m glad I went.