Sunday, August 9, 2009

Countdown; Carpe Diem

Constant motion is a human necessity. Not quite like a shark's, but without motion, somebody's bound to take a shot at you. Then again, somebody's going to shoot at you anyway. Those little rubber noises flying past the ears are proof enough of that. People like to compare being still to being at peace, and what a load of shit that is. Being still is being dead, and there's clearly a bit of death in the act of waiting. But, like constant motion, constant interaction is a human necessity, and today's itinerary is dependent on what they do. So the clock is watched; the countdown is underway. Too bad no one knows when it's counting down to. It's just ticking.

Constant thought is a human condition. There's a thunderstorm in the mind, and it never stops raining. A single lightning strike can kill you, but a brain's series of electrical impulses can destroy an entire world. Ideas are the loneliest and deadliest of weapons, and dreams, the most subtle of triggers. People like to believe they're unique, and what a load of shit that is. Stereotypes and archetypes exist for a reason, and "you don't know me" is the biggest lie ever told. There's someone out there who sees things the way you do, and they are the objective. Hunters follow their tracks; snipers lie in wait. The sun may be setting, but there's no deadline. The clock keeps ticking.

Maybe you've met already; maybe you haven't. Perhaps you know what you're looking for, but maybe you're on a need-to-know basis and you don't need to know until she's staring you in the face. If you believe in signs, there will be one. If you don't, it'll just happen. Coincidence may just be coincidence, but the impatient will jump the gun. Coincidence may be more, but those who despise failure from experiencing it one too many times will clear the perimeter first. If it's right, there will be two left standing when the smoke clears.

The target will present itself eventually, never mind what time. Patience is the order of a lifetime. Humans have designed themselves to overcome instinct, so take advantage. The first opportunity may not be the best one. After all, she moves in mysterious ways. Prepare your action and give in to the moment when the moment is proper. The countdown continues to the instant when peripheral vision will not be necessary. Don't wait until you can see her; wait until you can smell her. You'll know when the clock is right, for motion and thought will blur into one. And when it does, don't hesitate. Seize the day.

17 comments:

Wings said...

How sure are you that you aren't in some one else's sights? The hunter can also be the prey.

JeffScape said...

Wings: such is ideal.

Alan Burnett said...

Constant thought I can do. Constant motion gets more difficult as I get older although I have been developing a strange tick in my left arm. It's the constant preparation I have difficulty with ... I tend to fall asleep.

Bitsy said...

Lose the first paragraph, and "People like to...ever told." That's a load of shit. The last paragraph is a gem.

Gabriela Abalo said...

A great post... lot to think about! Thanks


:)

NanU said...

Is this a Magpie Tale?

David said...

I like this. Carpe Diem.

Tess Kincaid said...

Ah, the scent of a woman.

Tumblewords: said...

dreams, the most subtle of triggers - a wonderfully vivid phrase - ponderable and palpable.

Rene/ Not The Rockefellers said...

Hoo-Ahh!!
You need to be reading this on stage...with one of those snazzy head mics

Think Tom Cruise in Magnolia

Rene

Kristen Haskell said...

The beauty of failure is the lesson learned. I really like what you have done with this weeks prompt.

Friko said...

Wow, I'm rather breathless form reading this tour de force.
I'm not sure that I would agree with all of your premises, but I will agree to 'carpe diem' with you.

Crystal Jigsaw said...

Seize the day; I feel I just might.

CJ xx

Brian Miller said...

dont wait until you can see her, wait until you smell her...nice line jeff...nice write...i like it. thinking of you as tom cruise in magnolia and thanking rene for that image...

RA said...

In all honesty I don't know what you are trying to say here. At times I got the feeling you din't know either, and that somehow you had managed to wade deeper than was good for your writing. Yes, writing. I like your style, but mastering the words can't hide the lack of the little red thread..... :D

Carrie Burtt said...

I like this one...great Magpie! :-)

Patience said...

I like the idea that being still, is being dead. totally agree, we got to be up and moving' and goin' for whatever your goin' for. great one.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...