hips, hiccups and hitting the road

a pair of old women sat in a warmly decorated room, one in an armchair, the other nestled into the corner of a couch. each had a blanket tucked round her legs. a dog rested on a rug in front of the television, curled and content.

the women watched television and laughed, enjoying the last bites of black raspberry ice cream in their bowls and the company they were keeping. when the television show came to a close, the woman on the couch yawned and said, "well, i've got to head home."

they shifted from their comfortable positions and laughed upon hearing the creaking complaint from one of the women's hip and knee. the other woman's laughter quickly became a series of uncontrollable hiccups, which sent them into further hysterics. when the creaky hip woman laughed, she moved, causing the knee to creak again. the hiccupping lady was gasping because the harder she laughed, the harder and more cartoonish the hiccups sounded.

"yep," creaky joint lady said. "we're old."

it's all downhill now - the bodies and minds are slowly breaking down at 23.

tomorrow begins my weekend on the road - full of bass chords, flashing stage lights and travel. looking forward to enjoying the open road, my stack of unearthed cds (rediscovered after the great victoria car cleaning this afternoon) and the expectations that a wandering weekend whispers in my ear.

i'll blow another kiss to my beloved boston skyline. i'll see providence for the first time since the last attempt at enjoying old mayer, eastern market, "unmaking the band," and naivite. i'll see familiar faces, enjoy hugs and singalongs. i'll be able to enjoy some quality time with my brother. and i'll be able to try to feel carefree for a few brief days.

i'll relish it, trust me.

now the traffic in the flashing shadows of the final glow
are just a rush of burning chariots driven by the ancient lure of home.
and with my hands tucked deep down in my pockets
i see my own breadth in the light
of the east that holds and soothes me
as i spin west into friday night...
- marah, east