End of an era

I knew this day was coming, but it was still shocking to hear Mars had suddenly closed yesterday afternoon.  I went by after work only to find the gates down and workmen inside, already tearing things out.  George called me in to identify art pieces he was taking down from the walls - there just wasn't time to contact everyone.  Then, a Department of Health inspector told me to leave.  I asked if there was a possibility of re-opening and he told me, "That's it, no more" and shut the door.  My heart sank.



I returned at sunset for a candlelight vigil.  There was a nice gathering of people despite the threat of a storm. Secretly, I hoped lightning would strike the building and blow it up so we could write off the destruction as an act of God, rather than that of developers.







I had a hard time leaving George.  He's lived on the block forever and now has nowhere to go.



A candle-bearer told me the past and future both exist in the present and that is all we ever have. We were there, we are here and we will continue...



I'll post happier photos in the coming days.

More photos from the last day can be seen here.

Previously:

Happy days
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war
Mars art show this Sunday
From Mars, with love
The Mars way - dive in
Easter at Mars
While we're on the subject of Mars
Is there life after Mars?
Roy