Relief

I've finally taken to walking for my lunch break at the University. I'm a creature of habit and once things get changed around, it takes a while for any patterns I like to emerge. While walking today through heavily-housed neighborhoods (I miss my old path), I started to realize with horror that I hadn't laughed at someone for days. I routinely laugh with people and with people laughing at themselves, but to laugh at someone representing the whole of humanity is something that needs done almost daily.

I was especially worried because I know that humanity hasn't had an epiphany over the last week. Nor has it reached enlightenment. Humanity, collectively, is still as odd as ever and when days go by without my pointing and laughing at someone, it means I'm not paying attention. And that's upsetting.

I started walking faster, hoping for some sign of collective stupidity to make me feel better. And then, a motorcycle appeared. One of those very loud ones that try to impress you by bursting your earlobes. Or eardrums. Anyway, pearched atop was a heavily-leathered young man (it was very cold in Colorado today). And he was very slowly moving forward because his hands were occupied. One hand was plugging his ear against the noise of his bike and the other hand was holding...a cell phone.

Over the motorcycle's noise, his conversation went like this: WHAT?? WAIT, WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU. NO, WHAT DID YOU SAY? WHAT?? TALK LOUDER. WHAT??

With my faith in humanity completely restored, my walk returned to its normal pace and I enjoyed the beauty of the suburban landscape.

An Erinku:
free bus pass
lingering
too long on
desk