The Hug

(Photo by genius photographer Ren Hang)

This is a story based on real-life events.

From a distance I was suprised to see a familiar face so without hesitation I approached.

Me:  So, where are you going?  *smiles*
Them:  Bus number 2.  You?  *smiles*
Me:  (points to the number beside Them.)
Them:  (we reach out to hug)
Me:  (whispers inaudibly)  I'm sorry.
Them:  We should talk.

They  leave.  I go back to my pack and expect nothing out of it.  The rest of the trip was trippy.

My part here is done and I am at peace.  *smiles*

Vulnerabilities

(image from Bjork's new album Vulnicura)

From along the slopes of the northern mountain range, the earth goat reawakens.  From it's slumber of tepid, sometimes painful dreaming, it accepts the piercing of early morning sunlight.  Of working on the dewy grass and the smell of burning soils, the cautious nature of crossing the dirt road with biking passers-by, there is no time to waste.  With all seriousness, it's joyous trip-trap wakes up the other animals, it tries to reunite with those who have aged well, and those who are no longer living.  Beside the cemetery of dreamers, the goat sheds off its coat, its earthen scent.  It sheds off everything about itself, except what is inside -- the need to run, the fondness for vegetation, the need to find a mate.  It struggles to find the eloquence it once had, in the baahs and the meehs, in the taps and kicks.  It confronts the day with a warm smile, or a prayer that the doubts go away .. but if its nature is to run, how can it be stopped?  The goat heart is very patient, but it becomes agitated at prospects even if these seem to be false.  It continues to hope, continues to run, continues to stay near the road to the mountains because it doesn't want to be lost again ...