A Passing Moment

Hunger motivated me into action. Not a bodily hunger. This was something deeper, more powerful. I didn’t want food. I craved sustenance of a different type. I needed to get out and roam. I felt the urge to be around other people. Not necessarily among them, but near them. I was in the mood to mingle in voyeuristic anonymity on the fringes without having to interact. I wanted to float invisibly without detection. Maybe some of you understand that feeling. I felt the desire to explore others without interruption, without complication.

The state fair was in town, so that’s where I went. It’s a good place to disappear and watch people. So much is going on, so many distractions, that you can easily move unnoticed within the multitude. It was a pleasant evening to walk among the crowds. Slightly brisk, the cool breeze kept hinting of the approaching autumn. It was invigorating to feel the energy that ricocheted in the night air. I soaked in the electricity, absorbing it deeply into my senses.

I was alert, my eyes and ears scanning and analyzing the different faces, voices and movements of the potpourri of humanity that I was submerged in. So many interesting stories were flashing around me. I watched closely and made mental evaluations as I strolled along. In my mind I created one act plays about the people who caught my attention. Some were beautiful scenes that ended with a standing ovation, the elegant actors gracefully bowing to their cheering audience. Some were nightmarish scenes, the actors glaring into the spotlight like cornered beasts, ready to leap at the slightest provocation.

It was amazing at how diverse of a gathering that it was. I saw lovers thinking that the world only turned for them, naively oblivious of the resentful stares from those envious persons who had no one to walk beside them. I saw parents, tired yet smiling at the euphoria of their kids as they finally won a gaudy stuffed animal. I marveled at the carnies as they whooped and challenged, cooed and flattered, trying to coax money from the hands of the cautious victim. It was an endless panorama of contrasting personalities passing across the stage of life. Some preferred the spotlight, others felt safer in the shadows.

Following no particular instinct, I found my way to the exhibition building. I inspected arts and crafts from different countries, trying to imagine the lives of those who had created them. Eventually, I located the exhibit from China. It was there that I looked upon exquisiteness.

Cascading red hair fell like a strawberry waterfall over snow colored shoulders, drifting slightly when she walked, as if a gentle breeze caressed her.  Deep blue eyes stared in wonder from an ivory skinned face. Her full lips, slightly parted, looked as soft and comforting as a lover’s whisper. She smiled at the fragile teacups, revealing noble dimples in her downy cheeks. I held my breath as she moved. Her gracefulness was like smoke ascending the heavens. Weightless. Her hair floating, dress swaying about her calves, she flowed like silk brushed across the naked skin. Sensually smooth. She was like a porcelain doll, small and delicate.

As I watched her I thought of sipping apricot brandy in front of a fireplace on a snowy winter night. I thought of an ivy-covered cottage as the spring rain taps lightly on the window. I moved closer, entranced with the image of relaxing in the soft grass, high atop a hill, overlooking an emerald valley. Her presence summoned forth blessed portraits of contentment and tranquility.

Subtly, she noticed my attention and it flattered her.

A gruff voice shattered the illusion. A man, I supposed to be her husband, stalked up and announced that he was ready to go.

“The stuff in here is junk. Let’s go to the car show!”

It was a demand, not a request. Her posture stiffened as a veil of embarrassment shrouded her face. She slowly put the teacup down and obediently followed after her man. As she passed she whispered a soft, "Excuse me” and for a moment our eyes met.

One second is sometimes an eternity. A lot was said in that glance between us. That simple fleeting look connected us forever in a memory full of ‘what ifs’ and ‘what could have been’.

Then she was gone.

It was only a moment, but I have the feeling, that moment will last a lifetime.

Take care.