BELSIZE PARK

40 seconds of clarity?

Yesterday afternoon, as I sat at my desk at work, I briefly saw the world, my world, as if I were about eight years old again. Bear with me, it wasn't anything mystical. More like subjective nostalgia really. Maybe just a result of emotional fatigue caused by a job that impedes more than it enables...

I was searching for this journal record and suddenly it seemed odd to me that I was sitting at a desk where only adults were permitted. I looked around the desk and saw all the accouterments of what I knew to be the work world and wondered a bit about the screen. As I did the feeling lifted and the task at hand seemed familiar. The experience quickly brought up memories of waiting at my father's office when I was a boy. Now that I think about it,  I never wanted to work there either.

I wonder if, when we are young, we are really as confused as we think we are or do we just see a strange world clearly?

Spring

The spring humidity has arrived in Minnesota signaling the end of enjoyable weather for another five months. Have already spotted those of Nordic descent sitting on benches, faces upturned, worshiping the rare and weak sun god. In a few days they will migrate north to their cabins and continue their devotions at their wet alter, "the lake." Sacraments of bait, lures, children and jet-skis will be offered. Daily pilgrimages will be made to the liquor store and choirs of sports broadcasts will lift, or depress, spirits. I will stay here in the city and plan for other shores.