There is no preamble when they arrive, not even the fluttering of wings to announce their presence. Just:
You are a fool, Raven says.
I nod and keep my eyes on the flickering flames of the fire growing low.
A monstrous, idiotic, moronic, thumbsucking fool.
I shrug. It is what it is. I yam what I yam, I added in my best Popeye voice.
It is, they agree. And you are. Oh, and don’t give up your day job.
Silence.
Then: What do you hope to accomplish by playing the fool?
I admit that I have not a single clue. I guess, I say, it is just my nature.
They watch me watching the fire, hop a bit closer and spread out their wings to warm them against the night chill, the action accompanied by a ruffling action louder than the size of their wings would suggest.
Well, they say. You know the old saying…
Yes?
“It is better to regret something that you have done than to regret something you haven’t.”
Sounds like some moron came up with that one, I reply. It that supposed to be helpful?
Worse. The person who came up with that one was an intellectual. It was meant to be helpful, but I can see how it might not be.
Dawn is nowhere in sight. It has been a long night of sitting. Looking ahead, it will still be a long night of sitting.
Raven stretches once more and wanders the campsite a bit. I think they are trying to come up with some wisdom for the situation. Or, at least, something that passes for wisdom. Apparently, such words are not forthcoming.
Tomorrow? they ask.
I’ll be here, I answer. I’m always here.
See you then, they say before taking flight and painting their silhouette on the moon. The wood snaps, crackles and pops by way of saying goodbye to my companion.
In the meanwhile, I wait for the dawn.
2 responses to “Campfire Sessions — 17apr25”
That was therapeutic to read that. Time maybe to be affirmative about all the regrets. “I’ll be here, I answer. I’m always here.” That says it all.
Thank you. I’m glad it could be helpful 🙂