|synaptic disunion|

Thursday, March 08, 2007

don of the universe...II

"The universe is really big, you know?" He said this in such a matter of fact way it made me chuckle.

"Yes, I'd gathered that it was quite large." I replied.

"No, you don't understand. It's quite big. Think of the biggest thing you can think of, and then expand that as far as your mind can think, and you're not even coming close to the size of the universe." His gentle smile was there as he said this, a slight smirk in his eye. But he was different this time. Here in this smoky bar, between bands, I had found him again. I had seen him sitting in a high backed chair, facing the stage, drinking a large dark Guinness as the band played. His hair was dark this time, but still long. His beard was short, but turning gray.

I sat next to him in silence for a bit, then said "How much of it have you seen?"

"A bit. I was there when it started, you know." He replied as he raised his drink to his lips. For some reason, this didn't surprise me. That feeling of distance and age hit me again, as I sat in an even lengthier silence. I struggled with what to say next, but I knew there was something I wanted to know, so I took my chances, and asked.

"Who are you?" I finally said.

"Me? Oh, I'm nobody, really." was his simple reply.

"But, can't you tell me some of the things you've seen?" I implored, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Oh, not now...look, the next band is about to start. I really like these guys." He said with a slight wave of his hand, dismissing the subject. "Maybe later, ok?" He finally said, sensing my discomfort.

"Sure!" I had to yell in reply, as the music had started, and conversation beyond this point, was pointless.

Labels: don of the universe

: toadman : at Thursday, March 08, 2007 |