I'd Like To Stay, But I Really Must Be Going

Originally Posted Friday, June 7, 2013

A man walks into my office. 

"I'm going on a vacation," he says. 

"Where're you going?"

"New Mexico.  But I don't want to go."

"Why not," I ask? 

"I'm too tired.  I'm worn out.  I don't even think I can pack."

"Oh," I say, "You can pack.  There is nothing to it.  Do you have a credit card?"

"Yes," he replies.

"Well then, you have nothing to fear.  There are stories to hear and stories to be told.  You are the man to do that." 

"Perhaps," he said, the despondency in his voice apparent.  "But I don't want to go."

"Why not," I asked him?''

"I don't know.  I have too much to do at home.  I am not ready.  I don't even think I planned my return date right.  I think I am a day short.  I've been sick and I don't seem to be better.  I feel weak and tired.  I just want to stay home." 

"Well. . . you could do that," I said, "but you can do that later, too.  There is a world out there you need to see."

"I've been there before."

"No you haven't," I said.  "It is nothing like you remember.  It is different now.  It is new.  You should go and see." 

"O.K." he said.  "I'll go.  But I haven't packed and I have to be up at four o'clock in the morning.  And it is raining and I don't know if the house. . . ."

"Everything will be fine.  Just get the fuck out of town.  Who knows what will happen?"

"Yes, yes, I know you are right.  But you are wrong, too, and don't even know it.  Still there are things one must do, and I must go." 

"Well, send me an email and some pictures from your trip." 

"I will.  I will." 

And then he was gone. 

Writing may be sporadic for the next couple weeks.  I don't even know if I'll have internet access at my fifty dollar room.  But I will write when I can.  Send me love and rub your Mr. Christopher for me.  I will let you know.