Ever get out there walking and feel the air and a sharp wind, and, giving anxious glances toward the sky, think, oh, no, I’m not dressed right? But then the sun clears its throat and heat finds you. Songs start streaming in your mind, powering you into a faster pace. Busy people and singing birds fill the background, and the air acquires a sweet freshness, and you think, this right here, right now, this is a good day.
Salazin – Four
Mouth agape, I stared at Salazin, looking for a sense of humor. He had one but it didn’t seem present at this time.
“What did you say?” I said.
“I said your ship will be ten miles long.”
“Miles.”
“Yes.”
“Ten miles.”
“Yes, ten miles.” Looking serious, Salazin picked up his beer and watched me.
He didn’t drink much alcohol. I never saw him actually finish beer. I always thought he pretended to drink to put me at ease.
Well, not always. At first, I thought he drank like I did. About a week into our friendship, I began to realize that he didn’t.
“Ten miles long?” I said. The words began to gain substance. “Ten miles long?” I was searching for references. I ran two miles a day. This ship would be five times as long as my daily run. “How wide will it be?”
“One half of a mile wide.”
While that sounded more acceptable, it still seemed unbelievable. A half a mile wide would be an impressive length. Ten miles…ten miles was fucking unbelievable.
Ten miles by half a mile. The ship would be long and narrow. “The engines for this,” I said.
Salazin watched me.
“They have to be enormous,” I said.
“No.” Salazin shook his head. “I told you. <TK> has developed new technology.”
Yes, he’d mentioned her before. “Right, I remember. You always said you would introduce me to her.”
“Yes, and I will. Her travel has been delayed.”
Her travel has been delayed. That statement seemed innocuous back then. Now it seemed like it was heavy with weight. Back then, I thought, airlines, flights, cancellations, weather. Now, thinking, her travel has been delayed, I think, from where?
From what planet?
By what means?
The Obsession
Don’t you hate it when you’re out somewhere, and discover that you have something stuck between your teeth? It becomes an immediate obsession for your tongue while all you do is think is, how can I discreetly get this out? Meanwhile, you fight with the urge to just do something and get the frigging piece removed.
The Power
She weighs less than half of any of the boys, and she’s older than them. Fifteen years (in human terms) have been lived, and who knows how many lives she’s used up? But when she comes into the yard, she gives each boy a look, and they get way, waaayyy back while she helps herself to their kibble.
Old and small, she’s still got the power.
Between Holes
I’m caught between holes. One hole makes me feel like my pants are sliding down, so I’m always hitching them back up. Using the next hole on my belt puts pressure on a back nerve that ends up being a hole of pain and discomfort.
I ask my clothes and body, “Can’t you guys get together and work this out?” They reply, “It’s not us, it’s the belt.”
Maybe I’ll shop for a new belt. He’s been with me a long time, but I need to re-consider his position.
Hotel Breakfast
Have you noticed how often a hotel’s “free hot breakfast” includes cold boiled eggs?
Shower
He enters the shower everyday, hoping and expecting a transformation, and remains amazed that it always works. Is it a matter of setting expectations?
There I Go
Got my special space
at the special place
checking out the people
thinking what a waste
but for God and grace
there I go
Been lucky again
just like I always been
living life like it’s a mortal sin
I’ve always had an in
because of love and kin
and here I am
here I am
on the top
of the bottom
there I go
thinking I have problems
here I am
working the middle
there I go
again and again
you say
he’s such a waste
no style or grace
what’s the matter with him?
but that’s not the truth
you don’t know what he’s been through
thinking that he’s just like you
there you are
on the top
of the bottom
there you go
thinking you have no problems
here you are
working the middle
there you go
again and again
Sneeze
Don’t you hate it when you suddenly sneeze and it ends up all over your computer screen? I could really use tear-aways protective covers on my screen like racing drivers use on their windshields (NASCAR) and visors (Formula 1).
Late at Night
You ever put something on Facebook or other social media late at night, and have a friend immediately respond to it? Then you think, what are they doing on the Internet so late at night? As a sidebar, do you also sometimes wish you and that person were actually sitting beside each other so you can have an actual conversation?
There are some who remain your friends regardless of how long it was since you last saw them, and the distance between your homes. Good to know such people are out there.
Want to introduce me to a few?
Michael Seidel, writer 