When I was a kid in Hoboken growing up in the 1950s we would call friends who left us to play with someone else around the corner “flat-leavers”. I have no knowledge of its derivation- whether such a term existed only in Hoboken or Hudson County or anywhere else. But It was a stinging insult that would hurt until the following day when you would once again be embraced by the kids who lived on the block. For a moment I was tempted to hurl this insult at you but thought “ no, Amy is all growed-up and has earned the right to leave on her own terms”. Good luck, Amy. I will miss your exceptional writing.
Thanks so much for your detailed and nuanced writing. As an artist and neighbor, I’ve really enjoyed the way you’ve brought local politics and culture to life. Wishing you all the best in the midwest!
When I was a kid in Hoboken growing up in the 1950s we would call friends who left us to play with someone else around the corner “flat-leavers”. I have no knowledge of its derivation- whether such a term existed only in Hoboken or Hudson County or anywhere else. But It was a stinging insult that would hurt until the following day when you would once again be embraced by the kids who lived on the block. For a moment I was tempted to hurl this insult at you but thought “ no, Amy is all growed-up and has earned the right to leave on her own terms”. Good luck, Amy. I will miss your exceptional writing.
Thank you, John!
Thanks so much for your detailed and nuanced writing. As an artist and neighbor, I’ve really enjoyed the way you’ve brought local politics and culture to life. Wishing you all the best in the midwest!
Most folks I know Downtown May voted for him in the past feel very betrayed gaslighted conned by him