Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Couch Mates

Rambo's head is in my lap and I'm scratching him behind the ears. We're escaping the heat, the suffocating humidity. I haven't eaten and my head is pounding. I'm trying not to wander back into the mall to drink another yerba mate. I'm trying not to fall in love with sleeping head to toe on a couch too small for us.

I was a bad driver today. I'm not used to the afternoon flash floods of the Carolina's. When I returned home, with something to show for myself, no one was here. I wished out loud for my ten speed, and made myself a bowl of cereal, which I ate while fending of the scavenger cat, Moomoo. There are two puppies playing across the street. I feel overwhelmed with contentment, and beautiful in someone elses' clothing listening to two animals breathing.

I love them, or rather, this. The commodities have returned.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Red Skies in Kentucky

Canada Geese fly
Across the broad red sky line
We both migrate South

Friday, July 9, 2010

Work Wont Make You Free

There were a couple things on my mind as I washed dishes at the restaurant the other night. First, was I that intolerable to be around that I was sent dejectedly to the back to do everything no one wants to do? I thought of Dormin chopping onions in the back of the house, failing to learn English, or do any of the things they had promised him he would learn. I don't know his story, just that he can wash dishes like a madman and ensure us a quick and easy close. Como se dice "thank you for washing all our dishes," en espanol?

The next day, instead of letting me know that I did something wrong, I would be banished to cash register, left with the sinking feeling of terrible management, and a sort of admiration of our service manager for the look of empathy he gave me when I returned to the line. I could have walked out.

I think about that every single time I leave those doors for break. I beeline it to my car, or to the grass, huck my things, and watch the traffic, wishing I had the courage to never come back.

If I was free, I'd be romping on bioluminescent beaches and swimming at night in just my underwear. I'd be breaking into private drives and visiting Spooner's grave by the Shagbark Hickory in my old yard. Not working 45 hour a week for no gain and feeling increasingly regretful for the time not spent with my friends and family.

I am a workaholic and I love to hate my job. Work is my vice. I can't get enough of it, even when it gets in the way of the things I'd rather do. I'm miserable when I'm working, and even worse when I'm not. Every bone in my body longs for a job that I actually enjoy.