Parallel Degrees/Closed

[Bran]

I woke up this morning to the emptiness in my head. It wasn't just that it was empty - it was the bed, the room, the house. Empty not in a literal sense but empty none the less.

I go thorugh the motions - shower, shave, dress. Polish the boots, check my crease. Is it wrinkled? Hopping around in front of the fulllength mirror trying to see over my shoulder, making sure the wrinkles are gone.

There is no coffee percolating, there is no toast or jam. Even cold cereal is beyond me at this time.

I chinch the laces tight, dropping the cuff of my pants down over them. One last look. Shirt, pants, belt, shoes.

I sling the evergreen backpack on my shoulder and I pause. I breath in the smell of the house, of the room, the bed, you, our son. Imprinting on my mind the essence of the life I live.

Will I ever see this room again? Will I stand in front of the refrigerator with its covering of photographs? Will I watch our son as he screams in delight as I chase him thorugh the house? Will I hold you, tight against me - finding that symmetry that is soley our own?

The key slides in effortlessly. Turns smooth and unhindered.

SNICK!

I step away from the door, my hand lingers on its surface where we have all touched - you, me, our son.

I shake a smoke from the pack in my pocket, light it with practiced ease and enhale deeply. Releasing the plume of smoke into the air I toss my backpack into the car, and slide into the drivers seat.

Some ask what forever is. As I sit there with the keyes in my hand I know that for me forever is this moment, this frame in time. Everyday that I go thorugh this routine of mine, it is this moment that I hold. This is my forever.

I insert the keys into the ignition and I listen to the purr of the car as I take another drag from my cigarette.

I return to duty, responsibility, and fear. Alone with nothing but forever tucked away in my memories of home.

[Bran]

The people around you are always going ot have some kind of affect on you. It is not like you can really do anything about it except roll with the puches and deal with it.

Personally though I am tired of the bitching. I just want to scream in thier faces:

IF IT IS SO FREAKING BAD, THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!

I know everyone has their little complaints and so on but damn, if you have to bitch about something at least have the sack to suggest a solution to the problem!

To often we see a problem and think that it is someone elses problem to deal with. No one wants to take responsibility for anything anymore!

What kind of example is that setting for our children? What does that say about our own upbringing? Have we lost the essence of self reliance that was so necessary to out ancestors when they came over here to the United States?

Are we to become like bees, with everyone having thier own special duties...are we creating a massive beuracracy for our children to inherit?

If we all stood together and worked to fix the things that are wrong in this world we might be able to pass something truly worthwhile to our children.