“The ’40s and ’50s had the mushroom cloud.

The ’60s had flower power and the rocket to the moon.

The ’70s had disco, the ’80s and ’90s had a stock ticker, and the 2000s had the World Trade Center attack.”

Oliver pointed with his chin toward the wreck of the fire engine on its side, forgotten amidst the mayhem.

“There’s the new symbol of our time. Of course, like the man said, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

~ This Plague of Days, by Robert Chazz Chute will be released at the end of May.