Wednesday, September 14, 2005
(11:47 PM) | Dave Belcher:
Morning stroll
There's nothing more humiliating than picking up dog shit; well, at least than picking up dog shit while someone is watching. As that guy reminded me as he stared outside his house this morning: "Ah, the joys of dog ownership." But, to tell the truth, I actually don't mind it that much. Mason doesn't ever poop in the yard anymore; he has to go for a walk. If I can keep his bladder or kidneys from failing or exploding by taking him for a short stroll and letting him do his business, than why wouldn't I be gracious enough to pick up his shit for him?I don't have any special connection with my dog. He just needs some warm body to lead him to the tree that smells like it needs to be pissed on that particular day. And yet whenever we reach the river--our route takes us to its banks everyday--we always feel a soft breeze. I like to think that we each set out on our walks everyday just to feel that breeze. Usually it comes from the east, hitting us on our backs, pushing us westward, farther down our path; but today was different. The breeze was stronger and coming out of the west. The water looked as if it were following a summons to an elsewhere, to a beyond it had never thought to venture. With the rushing wind right in our faces, we couldn't help but look to the east, wondering what lie there.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "I've been east, there's nothing there." This answer seems pretty suitable, as it's the same thing I've been telling myself my whole life: there's nothing for you there. Stay where you are. Of course, even since I've been married, my wife and I have not stayed put. We have already moved three times. And yet my feet have gotten heavy; I have forgotten how not to be stagnant--no matter how much I move around. That pause down by the river this morning gave me a glimpse...I sure do like to take walks. Maybe I'll just keep on going tomorrow.
