
Roger-Luc Chayer (Photos: September 6, 2024 – Anonymous Photographer)
Once again this morning, as for the past few years, we find you in a sad state. People who don’t love you came by last night and left their mark. Others, who no longer care for you, ride in fancy limousines, placed in power by your own residents, and now turn their eyes away from you. Are they ashamed?

Photo: Villagemontreal.ca
You weren’t always like this. The younger ones don’t know, but at one time, you were one of the most beautiful places in the world. People came from all over to see you, visit you, and celebrate you. You even had the honor of hosting the 2006 Montreal World Outgames. You were so magnificent that everyone wanted to be with you.
There were so many people in your streets, safe and clean, that sometimes it was impossible to walk in a straight line because of the dense crowds. We stood in line to dance, eat, party, and celebrate your greatness and resilience.

Today, all of that is in the past. The visitors have changed. They no longer come to admire your grandeur but to despise you. Your people are scared, walking quickly to escape the violence and hate. They hug the walls, afraid of being noticed. You are living the darkest days of your life.
There are still a few diehards who believe in you and in your resurrection, but you are not God, you can’t work miracles. The miracle will only come from those who abandoned you, leaving you alone in the trench with the enemy.
You are sick, and the infection that plagues you is not healing. You need a remedy, a good dose of antibiotics, to hope for a return to health. And what will be left of you once the illness and the storm have passed? Get well soon. I love you.