The Harbinger of Change came to town today. He was all bluster and bother spouting nonsense about the shortage of time and the days growing shorter. Never one to shy away from a conversation, I asked him where he came from and where he was headed. He said he came from my future and my past was his destination. I chuckled and asked him if I should go ahead and continue with my Wednesday. He looked flat and didn’t answer, apparently unable to appreciate the nuance of my joke.
I invited him in for a meal; he seemed rather out of sorts, and quite honestly, out of his mind. I told him to buy anything from
the value menu that he wanted. He seemed bemused by me but went ahead and ordered a burger and fries. I asked if he wanted a Coke. He looked at me oddly, stating that stimulates will not stop the stroke of twelve. I nodded and smiled as if I knew what he was talking about; a sad chap, obviously mad. But as my grandmother used to say: There but for the grace of God, go I. Don’t ask, I don’t really know what it means either, but it seemed to apply to this situation.
He finished his meal and I walked him to the door. I bid him adieu as I climbed into my truck. He told me he would be back as Change never stays away. I nodded in agreement (humouring the poor fellow), waved pleasantly, put my tuck into gear, and departed leaving Change behind in the parking lot.
Poems, Prose, and Fiction 