There have been unconfirmed reports of Saint Agnieska wandering the waterfront (picking her way along the derelict piers) between North 7th and North 12th Streets adjacent to Kent Avenue in Williamsburg – behind the waste transfer station. These reports have come to us via word of mouth from Department of Sanitation drivers who frequent the Kent Ave. transfer station.
i lived in Greenpoint about five or six years ago and often would walk along the waterfront. i recall one evening, i was shooting some footage of the river out on the piers for a short documentary, around the intersection of Kent and Franklin – this was back when you could walk out there. As i was turning to leave, an angelic figure appeared in the viewfinder of the camera, gesturing out over the water – of course i was a bit spooked, but when i looked about, no one was there. the magical figure had disappeared, and I’ve never been able to explain what I saw – I thought i’d just imagined it. i did not know of St. Agnieska at the time, and this accounts for the pale glow that appears in a few frames. i am happy to learn that I’m not the only one who has seen this apparition!
Late last wednesday night I was biking along south Kent avenue appreciating the scant city views still visible through the new construction carcasses. A grey humid fog was lingering on the river’s surface and the solitude of the orange morning fog light evoked in me a rare moment of internal quiet. I stopped at a corner where Kent still closes in on the river (the intersection of Clymer street, I think) in an attempt to stay still in my perfect moment. After some moments of lost-in-thought staring out over the river, I noticed a woman in a white dress float-walking along the riverbank. At first I though she was feeding the pigeons that were surrounding her, but upon closer inspection she didn’t really seem to have distinct arms, or even seem to be very real at all. In retrospect, I guess I should have been spooked, but I had an overwhelming feeling that I was witnessing a private moment and that I should leave the woman to her birds. So I remounted my bike and rolled back onto Kent street toward my destination. I haven’t been able to shake the memory since. I’m glad to know that I’m not crazy.
Don’t want to rain on your parades, folks, but I am recommending plenty of rest, lots of water, and fresh vegetables . Then I thing ol’ Agnieska may very well take a break.