A DAY OF IT

 An outing was in order. Harley took the girls for ‘a day of it’. What “It” was, wasn’t clearly defined, so…they’d have a romp in the park…oh, and the zoo…out for burgers…a little TV, and possibly, hopefully, bedtime. Day One, then, was set. But what to do about the rest? Board games might be a hoot…(for an afternoon or two)…hmm. He sat perplexed. Maybe he was over-thinking this. Maybe it would take care of itself. But ‘they’ won’t, and ‘they’ were in his stead for the foreseeable future. It was the least he could do, his Ex now hospitalized for several weeks, and these were his off-spring after all, but the responsibility of twins was starting to dawn on him. There were adjustments that needed to be made. The accident was minor enough, they all thought, and the first trip to the hospital was strictly precautionary, in-and-out, but, then back-in again – something wasn’t right - complications arose. Complications arose in his life too. Take the girls for a night, or even a couple days…fine, but her ‘complications’ turned serious and then deadly, as a clot, undetected and untreated, made it’s way to her cerebellum and created all sorts of problems. After two weeks of struggling, and no sign of exiting the coma, she gave up the ghost, along with her daughters, to Him.

V

THE WHITE MALTESE

 

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not the dog’s fault. The dog was in the way, that’s all.

Gees, Lady, I understand you’re upset…

I know. I understand.

You have my sympathies…

He’s in a better place…

Too far? Okay, I’ll play it straighter. Not so contrite, but would you, please…I know…I am….I tried to….okay, I don’t give a shit about your dog. Happy?

He’d been driven there by her persistent, wailing attack, and although he truly felt terrible for the event itself  had the dog not “scampered” in front of the car… a white maltese…if only, it had been leashed… 

But yes, he was distracted, and to quite a degree, the result of  phone call from Marie. A phone call, ending it all. 

Could it be his life was starting to unravel? First the job, then Marie, and now the dog. 

He was on his way home after fetching his belongings at the office. They had ordered him to wait in the lunchroom while they went through his things. When he returned they had everything boxed and ready to go. He signed a receipt for six binders and a stack of papers, which he will be leaving behind, (…all deemed “eye’s only”).

The call from Marie came out of left field, which is to say it was totally unexpected, which is why he can’t believe what she’s saying, “…it’s just that, things aren’t the same with you, without the job, and I was thinking of leaving anyhow. I’ll grab my things and be gone.”

NO! Wait…

Then the dog dashed out, followed by the woman, still in her robe at this late hour, wailing and flailing her arms about. 

What was I to do? It was not as if I had a choice in the matter. But her voice…the shrill drill of it, it was just too much. I snapped. It happened. You can guess the rest. 

 Escorted ‘downtown’ by L.A.’s best.

V

THE RESOLUTION

 

And then Trip said something that changed everyone’s minds. He said;

“WHY are we doing this?”

There was a long, pregnancy-pause,

“WHY…?” he repeated.

And the thought just hung there, like sneakers on the wire. Well out of reach. 

No one knew how to react because no one saw the script. I mean, surely there’s an answer, and it’s coming, so best be ready for…. A Resolution!  Dammit!

But the reality is, this Resolution, may never come. Probably won’t. Because there is none. That resolute enough for you?

At that point Alphonse drops the knife. No one picked it up. There was no more fight left in any of us.

“Damn you...” he said to no one, but for all ears to hear.

 
Damned to fear his confession after all these years, he shuddered, withered, and was consumed.

V 

FREE LARRY

V

KEEP MOVING

 

And they’re lining up,

like lemmings,

each waiting impatiently

for their time. 

And who could blame them?

The beckoning…

beckons.

Behold.

But they’re starting to stack up now,

and although there used to be days

when you simply

walked to the

head of line,

not so, in this case.

No, no.

Lines now are a few miles long,

so plan on staying a night,

or two, or infinitum.

Got a whole new generation passing through,

Infrastructure just won’t handle it

can’t process ‘em fast enough.

You get the idea…

And they keep on coming

Like an onslaught

that god wrought

it’ll be a wave

of pain and anguish

no money

in all the world

can buy you out of.

Move along.

V

­­­

THEY DIE

 

They die

They die everyday

Millions die

Like cells

Like dander

They die from disease

They die from war

They die from autos

And guns

And famine

And violence.

Slough it off

Two billion

souls to go

We'll never make it

Ain't no time to mourn

Not even a thought 

Nor the sentiment.

The bill is due

Their lives

have are spent.

Thus allowing me

to raise the rent.

V

KEEP THE STUBS

I don’t know what he told you, but I was in my bed early that night and did not stir until the morning. I was out cold. Pitch black. Adios. And to think you suspect me of…of…? Exactly what is it that I am accused of? I have a right to know, you know. Did you think I was involved in her disappearance? If you do, you are sadly mistaken…sadly mistaken. And during the day, I went to the city on a mini-outing, just me and my notepads. Visited the museum…Art…had splendid time strolling, and sketching. Admired the Bolognese most of all. Such a magnificent mad man…so improbable. Enjoyed an early dinner and made my way home. My mind wanders, but back on point, I was well occupied and can prove it. I keep ticket stubs, it’s a foible, but they will backup what I say. But as for the night? I have no collaboration, as I was asleep…alone…in my bed…after a long day. 

But back-up to point from whence we commenced – What is it I did ? What are you accusing me of ? And don’t say that I killed someone. I didn’t kill nobody. NO – BODY ! See? So I’m going to “walk”. I’m going to walk out that door and go…where I please. 

Besides, she was a nuisance. Nothing more. I ignored her the best I could. I didn’t even hear she’d gone missing until this very morning. She meant nothing…and please don’t take that the wrong way, of course she meant something, to someone, it’s just that she didn’t mean much to me. She had a mouth on her, she did, and I tried, but she was vulgar to the core, so I distanced myself rather quickly. Best maintain your space. But we had some chats….chats that didn’t lead to anything, mind you. I was hoping to provide her counsel, but I failed…miserably. Which was reason enough to keep to myself, seeking isolation…from…the humiliation…the verbal castration. I did it. I admit it. Can I go home now? 

V