- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1/6/03 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Hey again. The year is over, but the year is just beginning. He wakes up with nostalgia's warm fingers in his mouth, and his thoughts return to the girl with white arms and soft eyes. A lifetime ago, but a life is not so long. I wonder who's kissing her now... Then he remembers it's all words and retreats with a flourish (and a parenthetical). Next paragraph.

 

The new songs are coming along, though we regret to confess that the EP wasn't finished over break. Something suddenly came up. Nick had to wash his hair. We all went to sleep, but Jimmy left a light on. Anyway, bigger and better stuff is being crafted as I write this. Jim spilled out a cool little song two nights ago. He didn't mean to. Andrew's back, and he brought the rain with him. We'll try to stay dry. Somewhere, Greg is laughing. Probably at your expense. But you have to admit, it was funny.

 

Late January, and everybody felt all right. Sing from your knees - I want to hear the ribs pop. Please look at me when I call your name. Come down sweet now, you were made for that dress. Her lips are shining. Through the socks my toes felt the insides of my shoes. I scratched my elbow and felt a scar forming. I'll dance if you promise to dance gentle. (I used to wear sandals, but they aggravated my inertia.)

 

She came close and went away and came close and forgot to go away, and then went away. I signaled for a taxi but hooked a redundancy. I drifted for the next few months and found myself at the bottom of a watershed. You found me there and gave me your hand. "Falling in love is like riding a bike," she says quietly, eyeing my naked wrist. I agree, but don't tell her so. She smiles softly and my eyes don't close. My eyes are open and they don't close.

 

Keep your candles burning and for god's sake, shave that mustache. You look ridiculous.