The City
I grew up in a very small town near the edge. Something
was always happening there, usually a bit awe'd but never ordinary. Of course, I
had no way of knowing how awe'd things really were. I guess growing up there
made things seem common place.
Eventually, I grew up and wanted to see the world. So I
packed my things and headed out for the big city. Just a few things to bring,
mostly my dreams and my favorite stone.
The folks in town suggested I go west, toward the setting
sun. The east they said was for beginnings, and folks like me were better off
with endings. I thought long and hard about that and realized far enough west
was east. It was going to be an interesting journey. I decided to find the place
where east and west were the same. Then the beginning and ending would happen at
the same time. After walking in circles for a number of years, I came across the
city. Funny that I hadn't noticed it before.
I looked for a room, a place to call my home. The city was
huge and amid the crowds of buildings and people, I saw a quaint little place
that was abandoned. It was in need of repair, so the owner offered it to me for
real cheap. Got a long lease as well. Wouldn't have to move again for many
years. I set about arranging the place, fixed the windows and re-hung the door.
Even fixed the roof and patched the floor. I was surprised on how long it took,
but was proud of my effort.
I was so busy working that I didn't see what was happening
around me Lots of things had changed in the few years it took to get the place
in order. It was time to look for a job, something to do for a living. I wanted
to explore and discover so I looked for a job in a field that was new and
growing. I helped clear the ground and assisted in the building of the
sub-standard structures that would support the fruit and flowers now planted. I
was good at my job, very good and in time was allowed more and more
responsibility.
I made some friends but didn't know at the time that they
were just animals. Funny that, I really still have difficulty believing that.
They seemed so advanced. I guess, it was my small town upbringing. The locals
laughed at my 'confusion' and even marked my home. It took me many years before
I was able to understand what they had written there. They had written. This is
the home of an odd person. I thought they had misspelled awe'd.
The years passed and my job changed, I was still called on
to do the messy work that no-one else wanted to do. I eventually figured that
out, but for so long I thought I was important and wanted for my skills and
talents. Having once again cleaned out the drain and moved the cables, I sat to
rest and wondered if this was east or west. My home was my haven, yet I was
alone there for most of the time, sure I had visitors now and then but only
those I invited, no one seemed interested in asking to come over and spend their
time with me. And those who seemed interested, excused themselves, as soon as
they discovered where I lived.
My lease is nearly up now, and I still haven't haven't
determined whether this city is east or west. I sorta think it's actually
somewhere between the two. There doesn't seem to be any beginnings nor endings
here. Just stuff in process. I looked around for another home but can't seem to
justify the costs associated with living here in the city. Especially after
having lived in this wonderful, but antiquated house. I asked about another
lease, but the owner wants to tear it down and build a prison. Seems like
there's good potential and probably money in that.
I don't regret the time and energy I spent making the
place livable and really it was a great place for me all these years. Sure, it
wasn't as nice as some of the other places I visited. But it was/is my home and,
well, I never felt cheated by the cost. The small town I grew up in is long
gone. Sadly, I wasn't able to return very often during the years and I guess I
should have realized that it would be torn down to make room for another city.
I'll miss the town and my home, but never-the-less I am getting anxious now to
move on.
I packed my things yesterday, still have my stone. Not
really much stuff otherwise. I headed out and looked at both horizons If I go
far enough east, I'll be west. And if I go too far west I'll be east. Such a
hard choice to have to make. Behind me the city lights sparkled and glistened in
the twilight. Over head I saw the stars twinkling. I closed my eyes and headed
in. The surface of reality above me, churned. Sending waves of change upon the
sandy shore of life. I wondered about existence for just a bit. while the
electrons did their dance. Come visit me sometime if you are so inclined. The
path is a bit grown over and may be hard to find. But I know if you get here you
can be sure of having a very awe'd time.
I still think the animals are more advanced than they
think