#Ship30for30

A Chance Encounter with Life in a Café on My Way to Catch a Train

A Poem. When you Experience It You Know

I arrive and exhale, placing my bag on the ground beside the metal table legs.

While my eyes are still drawn down, the chair opposite scrapes against the tile floor as it’s pulled out. My gaze rises and I see Life, round and broad-shouldered, lowering itself into the chair.

It’s full and yet moves lightly, buoyant even. I’m surprised by how nimble it is, for all it holds. Takes all the seat. Spills off the edges. Rests comfortably, easily.

The presence of Life is weighty. I can not deny the energy of aliveness. It’s a palpable sensation, a cousin to the feeling of someone watching you, the feeling of something being.

It has an air that is equally wise and wondering. Gentle and dismissive. Unalterable and constantly changing. Both. And. Always.

As Life settles I’m aware of the others moving around us. Maintaining a respectful distance as if uneasy, anxious. I can smell their fear. They see Life as power, a force not to be reckoned with. And so they tiptoe.

As if they might escape.

Life’s slightest whim is impossible to be ignored. I want to tell them they need not tiptoe. It doesn’t change Life, it only changes their shoes.

Life turns, its attention is engaging and immersive. Wordlessly expresses everything. Every last thing. Casting its gaze across the scene rises, and as quickly as it’s here, it’s gone.

Leaving me breathless.