Bending time
...plus an ancient version of TikTok
When I was growing up, the place my mom came from didn't exist. The place my dad came from didn't exist. The place their parents came from didn't exist. Or rather, was never discussed.
The holocaust was also not discussed or hinted at. The tiny blue numbers on arms were not explained. The places they came from won’t ever be discussed with me as my parents are gone. Have been gone for many years.
Which brings me to measuring time. Time can be measured in cats: Jesse, Luther, Mister, Captain Jack, Tobey, Callie Cat. Or in dogs: Zeke, Biggie, Wilby/Mr. Will. Or in homes. Such as Avalon.
Look up the word “fossil” in the dictionary and you’ll find it’s something that’s been dead for a long time. Or someone like me who used to work in print.
The present unravels. So does the past. I’m a former freelance writer and a former freelance ghost. Consider me an ancient, slower version of TikTok. Way slower.
Time brings us to science. For example, something, or maybe it was two somethings — were shown to have been revolving tightly around each other, but not colliding, for the past three billion years.
I am sorry humans can’t do that. Embrace, not collide. Once upon a time, my child’s hand was warm and certain in mine. I wish I could bend time. Then we’d be together a few decades back walking on the beach.
J, this is truly poignant. Can humans rotate around each other and not collide? Can little blue numbers ever disappear from wrist and mind? Can parents and children reconcile? Is relationship even possible? The answer is “yes” to these difficult questions, although it is a difficult
“yes”, one that takes all one’s strength, patience, and “yes”, love. Love is such a misused word, but it requires intent, caring, and focusing on the beloved. What is essential is invisible to the eye. I borrowed this last sentence from Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s book “The Little Prince”. Finally, we need help to love well.
As an imperfect being, in my humble opinion, it is okay to ask for help from others, and from the Author of personality, also known as God.
While you are visiting NYC, I hope you spend some time in one of the many little pocket parks scattered throughout the city. There is a beautiful little garden next to Holy Family Church, near the United Nations. Going north, on a nearby street - not avenue - is a pocket park with a waterfall. You write beautifully. Your light still shines. Peace.