Since That Day

I did see the demonstrators sitting in front of the Stock Exchange before shield-holding, mounted police. I did think the police were only there to stop the chatting demonstrators from causing damage. I did hear pleasant interaction amongst the peaceful demonstrators. I did see horses without warning suddenly trotting towards the smiling demonstrators. I did hear hooves clattering as the trotting quickened. I did see people look up and think, "What are they doing?" I did raise my camera to my face at midday sharp while waiting for the horses. I did expect to be hit. I did feel a shield wallop my head. I did hit the ground, releasing the shutter. I did see a woman trying to pull a cop off a horse. I did see that cop push that woman in the face as she flailed her fists. I did see her fall against another horse. I did see her get hit from behind by another cop’s shield. I did see her holding her head. I did see a woman throw a soft drink can that hit a cop’s helmet. I did see that cop smack that woman’s strawberry-blonde head with a batten. I did see blood reddening her reddish hair. I did see blood shining on her white face like red paint. I did see horror-struck fury in her blue eyes. I did see a hoof step onto a prostrate man’s groin. I did see that man’s face twist. I did feel his agony. I did see a translucent-skinned beauty screaming and holding the man’s head. So it would be a good idea if you’d stop trying to tell me what I saw!

The newspaper editor I took the photographs to said: "There’s blood on your face." Someone put disinfectant in the cut before bandaging the wound. I did hear the editor say: "You’re supposed to get permission from the cops before publishing shots of police work; but fuck them. We’re going to do it anyway." I will not forget that editor’s livid eyes. It wouldn’t surprise me if that editor has been sacked. Given that power hates justice, he looked too principled for mainstream media.