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My Hero

by spud 

Posted: 05 November 2003
Word Count: 120
Summary: On October 31 a man dressed as Spiderman climbed a 100ft crane next to Tower Bridge, to protest about hislack of access to his estranged child. Although the roads have now re-opened, he is still up there...


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Was it ever meant to go this far?
To get this big?
We only wanted to make a point,
and now…
How did the news describe it?
‘An incident’.
At least that’s what the travel bulletin said,
disguising what we really set out to do.

And now…
Now the bridge is closed,
traffic’s diverted,
emergency services been alerted.
In case of what?
It’s not like anyone’s been killed.
It’s not like anyone’s gonna jump.
It’s just one man up there
and no,
it’s not a stunt.

It’s not a bird.
It’s not a plane.
It’s not even Superman this time on that crane.
It’s a man.
A dad
unfurling banners
and waving the flag
for
single
neglected dads
like me.







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Comments by other Members



Fearless at 13:06 on 05 November 2003  Report this post
Spud

I gotta salute the guy for fighting for what he believes in, so long as he doesn't fall off. But its sad if the roads are reopened and traffic flows again.....a longer delay may make them think just that little bit more.

F

spud at 20:54 on 05 November 2003  Report this post
I'm with you F...

BTW, he climbed down this afternoon, but not before he got lots of coverage on the local London news and in the Evening Standard, so fingers crossed and here's hoping.

Spud

Fearless at 21:07 on 05 November 2003  Report this post
Spud

A luta continua; the struggle continues

Fearless

Account Closed at 22:18 on 05 November 2003  Report this post
Fantastic! Love the way you take the specific incident and make it universal and then relate the whole thing to a personal situation - real punch in the gut stuff, and also a wake-up call. Could you send this somewhere?

Anne B

PS I've always had a soft spot for Spiderman ...

spud at 22:35 on 05 November 2003  Report this post
Hi Anne

Thanks for your kind comments. Yep, I was also drawn to the Spiderman aspect (seems his child loves the character, which is why he chose that outfit).

I hadn't really considered sending it anywhere - it was really 'of the moment' when I wrote it yesterday, and now the news has moved on. However, your question has made me think. I think the chap was supported by / is involved with Fathers for Justice - or something like that. I'll have a think and see where it might offer the best suppport.

Thanks

Spud

Elsie at 07:52 on 06 November 2003  Report this post
Hi Spud
I too loved the last stanza, the way you used the superman outfit.

Account Closed at 07:48 on 09 November 2003  Report this post
Great stuff, Spud.

I was wondering who "we" were then the last tine told me "like me" Simple but very effective.
I like the way the world is focused on the traffic flow and this man wants to get another message across and I too love the use of the superman "is it a bird..."
You should definately offer it up for a good cause.

Elspeth


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