How am I? It’ not a question I get. “I” as a singular being am tied to the tides of humanity; to all their joys and all their sorrows, am I not? Could I ever be “good,” could I beat my chest in pride, crow about my day, while I stand amidst the endless grief of others? Are they really others? Are they not versions of me? Aren’t we all the same? Isn’t self at least a bit of illusion? My walk along the river, from the Bear’s place, to the Chartroom, was briefly interrupted. A shirtless man, walking in the parking lot of River Walk Inn, was waving his arms in angry gestures and screaming back toward someone or something. He was headed in my direction, and I debated whether to avoid him or not. I’m not a particularly brave person, and don’t encounter angry street people without at least mild trepidation; but on the other hand, I’ve discovered that most angry street people will calm down if you talk to them kindly. Newt encountered the man first and he put out his fist to him. It only seemed possibly hostile for a second, before the man opened his hand and petted Newt. His energy was a little fierce in my own encounter with him, but I shook his hand easily enough. We exchanged a few pleasant words, as he took a seat on a bench, obviously calming down. Of course part of me wanted to bolt. I didn’t welcome lingering there, and trying to make conversation, but walking away didn’t seem right or kind. Our conversation didn’t last long though, before a police officer drove up and got out. “Mr. Tides, what have you been doing tonight?” The officer said before arresting him. It seems that he’d gone into the Waterfront Bistro and threatened someone; so many loose threads in a society unraveling. I felt a little awkward for a moment, before I realized there was no reason for me to continue standing around, and so “I” walked off. I walk away from to versions of humanity - a street character, a cop – myself a version, walking towards, I hope, a version of humanity that sees itself in every face. Is it possible? How am I? I’m so many things but I’ll tell you what you want to hear, what you need to hear, “I’m good. How are you?”
Posted on: Sun, 23 Jun 2013 04:00:58 +0000
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