Memories Pt. 4

out of town, in the County.

Driven past so many times, you point to it every one.

"There's the drive-in!"

I haven't been to one in years. Since I was eighteen. Don't even remember the film.

"My family used to come all the time. We'd all pile in the van. Four kids and mom and dad."

Everytime, but this night was different.

We went to the drive-in.

The sunlight was dying slowly. We got there right before the rush and got a pretty good spot until the pickup parked in front of us. Oh well. It was still a pretty good spot.

The wizened hippy owner was puttering around on his ancient motorcycle. From screen to screen and back to the snack shack.

Waiting in line for treats, plus a small cache in the car. Diet coke and two straws.

The old guy's announcer voice on full, well-practiced and sure. Horns blaring to welcome the show.

Thinking ahead, you brought a blanket and pillows. I love that you always bring a blanket and pillows.

Small touches under the blanket, each of us trying to edge closer but wary of the brake and shift.

The movie didn't matter. It could have been much worse than it was and still it would have been the best movie I have ever seen.

Memories Pt. 3

Afternoon bike ride to High Park.

Down Lansdowne, over the Dundas bridge to Howard Park.

You stop. I go.

Traffic coming down Dundas. I was careless I guess. Didn't look down, just into your eyes. Could read it on your face before gravity took over. But your eyes told a different story.

My wheel jammed in streetcar tracks. Down I went. Elbow first, then shoulder... Wham! followed by head. Lucky I was wearing a helmet, I guess.

Shock to the system, but all I see is the car getting closer. Wheels heading my way.

Jump up. Grab the bike and run to the curb. Embarrassment sets in before the blood starts to flow.

Scrapes and cuts up and down my arm; layer of skin left on the street.

Words flow fast looking for reassurance: Areyouok? Areyouok? Areyouok?

Fine. But your eyes still tell the story.

We ride on, not making it further than than Roncee.

Snooty coffee shop to order drinks before I mess up their restroom. Brown paper towels are not conducive to first aid.

You feed me some cookie and some tea, helping me through as the adrenalin wears off and soreness sets in.

I will never forget how your eyes still told the story
of what you would do if.

Memories Pt. 2

A cool autumn afternoon.

Pingle's Fun Farm near Clarington.

She introduced me to apple picking. Ripe old age of 33 and never picked an apple 'til that day.

Bags full we climbed on the wagon for a hay ride; tickling kids with straw.

Next stop pumpkin patch. 3 year olds love picking pumpkins.

Into the barn for fudge and hot chocolate.

Back of the van, sleepy on the way home.

Memories Pt. 1

A warm spring day.

I had to close at work, so I had to leave to drive to Oakville in the afternoon.

We met at High Park and went for a walk.

Lay on the grass under a tree at the top of a hill for what felt like forever.

Content.

My head in her lap. Looking at the clouds. We laughed and people watched.

We were so close. So together.

I was in love with her then like I am now.

Alone...

As soon as it began, it is done.

Where do I go from here? That is a question with too many answers and my mind is too full of thoughts and feelings that I can't even process past today.

There are times when my memory is a curse. Not being able to forget things has been very useful, but not now. Now it is like being locked in a very small room with a swarm of angry bees; buzzing around me, stinging where they can.

First kisses, soft touches, smiles, words.

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

Parks and clouds, beaches and laughter.

Buzz, buzz.

Bundling up under blankets on cold nights.

Buzz.

All of them just as if they were yesterday.