At the entrance of the american indian museum, there are bag checks. You take all metal objects and phones out of your pockets, you open your bag for the person who looks inside, you walk through a detecting door, and a second person holds a stick that hums if it feels metal.

When I first entered, the second person's job was essentially to motion people through. He kept saying "come on down!" then "have a great day!" for each visitor. In a really, really pleased voice. Extatic. Bursting with mirth and joy.

Afterwards, I wondered if it was a reference to the "come on down, to the other side!" song. It was too late. I'll never know. Ever.

october 9th