Monday, August 17, 2009

not quite like the movies

One car load. A trunk and a back seat, my entire material worth. It’s been a cruel summer, in every way.
John Constantine calls water the ‘universal conduit’, something that eases the transition from one world to the next. Ironic, the splash en route. No water stands on the streets. The people don’t cut lanes or traffic lights. They laugh at all my jokes but I demand a more critical audience. Someone not so easily amused.
There is a story eating at my insides. I should pen it before it pins me. I think all those forwarded power point emails with moving compositions in the background have finally taken their toll. Today was my first day. Met with parents. Met with their sons, my students. Met Sherdil, a 13 year old, who interned at a software company designing websites, working on social networking software. Kid had the spark in his eye, I could see it but only because I’ve seen it before
I said, ‘I’m fine’ but it was inaudible, something about not wanting to pit my voice against the din, something about sufi notions about saying less and reflecting more. Well I’m reflecting now and I know it’s not going to be easy. Transition is never easy, but it’s the only constant in the universe and before I hit the mute button on my life let me say thank you and let me say farewell. After 20 years, every association I have, good and bad is with that city. I’m devastated… but I’m the sort that even embraces devastation. I’m going to make the most of this. I have to.