It may take some time for our water
based eyes to adjust
in the dry air
and filter out what it needs not.
The first train blares its horn
as it pulls through the sleepy town
tucked inside the fluffy grey marine layer.
The Amtrack gains its momentum
and kicks up clay sand in dusty billows,
while we lie stoic in its wake.
A little later today,
as usual.
When we come out of our nocturnal coma
we start straight away, stacking up tasks,
left and right foot,
breathe and blink, -stretch
and then
the mind quickens to find more
just to say
no more than four
things at one time...
No way.
If I had five children-
why the pinkie and not the thumb?
If I could split my brain in two,
perhaps I could keep track of eight...
Why the biggest brain
if we are so dumb?
This one time, the same as today
while walking to the market,
left, right, left,
bread, bananas, cheese, water...
I heard the train coming,this was the light Coaster
and I knew it was only 10 to 3.
I have time-I remember-I thought-
I smile at the passers-by, a grandmother with child,
umbrella for the sun,
a leash leading to a tiny dog and multiple bags in tow.
With my hand plunged into my shallow pocket
I think I have not enough money
for the bread.
Sweat beads built on my brow
and instead of going this way,
corruption of a lovely day-
a needed
interruption, a line break in my path.
Now
the copper church bells peal back from atop St. Patrick's tower
and I listen in silence...
four more
Still
my heart beats,
with a falling
bead of warm water on my cheek,
and I remember to breathe.
*The number Four is based on an article from brainfacts.org.
Photo credit By "self-made" in [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
