A Toast to O. Henry

A Toast to O. Henry

It is, sadly, a given that any event or person having an anniversary on September 11 will be eclipsed by
the horrific memories that date conjures from the year 2001. So, may I celebrate the birthday anniversary
of O. Henry, whose short stories, especially those of worthy if modest denizens of "Baghdad on the Subway"
of the period in which he lived in the city, hold a special place for me ... even if one day late.

The photo was taken on a crisp October night last year, in Pete's Tavern, a favorite haunt of the
writer. (*) I was delighted to find that my booth's wall bore this 1905 photograph of O. Henry.

While enjoying a relaxed dinner after a day of scampering about with the cameras, it was easy
to imagine O. Henry, perhaps in this very booth, as leaves began to swirl outside the window,
sketching out "The Gift of the Magi" or "The Last Leaf" while enjoying a pint and a succulent chop.

Naturally, I had to raise a toast.

© Steve Ember
(*)