Tiananmen Square

“Dance is what will win the war,” news reporter began as she reports live from Tiananmen square in China. As the footage rolls the reporter narrates what is happening. “As we look upon this scene we see tanks upon tanks powering through the empty streets of China heading straight for Tiananmen square.” She speculated. Then she paused to get a better look and exclaimed, “Wait. Look! There is a man standing in the middle of the street with two bags in his hands. He is wearing a white shirt and black pants. He isn’t moving out of the way of the tanks!” She said concerned. “The tanks are stating to slow down,” she noted. “I’ve just gotten word that the man in the middle of the street is a student who is protesting the government’s policies and is trying to prevent the tanks from entering into the square.” The live feed captured the events to follow. “The student stopped the blockade of tanks and is not waving his bags at them and shouting.” She reported. “I can’t make out what he is saying, but his gestures tell it all,” she revealed. “The tanks are trying to go around him, but he keeps moving to block them.”All anyone could hear was the low roar of the tanks engines and the gears shifting as the tank and the student danced back and forth in the empty street. “Now the student is climbing on the tank! He is yelling and trying to find a way in.” She said as she motioned the camera to cut. “Let’s go see if we could get an interview with him.” She yelled over the thundering of the tanks.
The reporter headed down towards the street swooping past the spectators. As she made it to the street she breathlessly called out to the protester who was now off to the side of the road detained by the local law enforcement. Too bad we didn’t get that on film, she thought.
“Excuse me,” She yelled. “Can I have a moment of your time?” She asked as the student was let free.
“Err…Ok.” The young student said as he helplessly watched the tanks recede into the square.
“You showed tremendous bravery,” the reporter said. “Can you tell me what was going on in your mind? What made you do this?” She asked.
“Well, I knew today was the day. I could hardly sleep last night. I’ve known for weeks and I can’t believe I came out alive.” He explained. “I left my house this morning at about eight fifty one and grabbed my two white bags as I do every morning. As I walked down the street I thought that today, June 4th 1989, might be my last. I thought about my childhood and remembered the peaceful times of old. I looked down at my watch to see how much longer I had and noticed my scar I got scuba diving in the summer of ‘81. Times were much easier then.” He replied. “When I got to the street I stood in the middle and waited. I closed my eyes as the sound grew louder and more violent. Then it stopped. All I could hear was the ringing in my ears. I opened my eyes and was staring straight into the face of the tank. I could smell the burning asphalt as the hot metal wheels seared the surface. I stated to wave my arms around and yell at them. The heavy bags became feathers and the adrenaline swooshed through my veins. I heard the gears shift and saw the tank start to move to my left. I followed and blocked his path. Then to the right, the tank moved and I quickly matched his location. We danced back and forth for what felt like years. He led. Finally I climbed on top of the tank and started to look for a way in. I don’t know if I was being brave or just foolish, but I knew that I had to do something.” He replied.
Well, I think that you were definitely being brave.” The reported said. “How did you know what to do?” She asked.
“Uhh…I had to make a list incase I froze in the face of fear.” He replied.
“That sounds smart. Can I see it?
“Sure,” he said as he slowly pulled out a folded piece of paper from his front pocket. Crumple, crack, crinkle sounded the paper as he unfolded it and gave it to the reported. She took it and began reading the first line.
A. Go into the middle of the street. Hold two bags in your hands and wait for the tank.
Then the next line read…
B. When the tanks stop stand in front of them and do not let them pass…
It continued to list out every action he made that morning.
“Sounds very thorough,” she commented “Thank you for your great bravery.” You will go down in history for your service,” she said as she watched the young student walk away. I wonder if I could ever do something like that. She thought and turned to the camera man and said, “Lets go see if we can interview the tank driver.”