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[Image] Sculpture in progress - © Michael Stutz I woke up the first morning in Santa Fe in fits of sheer terror. Hurtling towards the hotel walls, like a ship broke free of its moorings and caught in the wake of a giant wave, I had completely lost my equilibrium. The physical distress was compounded by the grim realization that I had a job to do and a show to set up in a couple of hours.
I pounded electrolytes and muttered an agnostic prayer and after what seemed like an interminable interlude finally managed to get my sea legs back, a bit later in the day. I can not ever remember experiencing such a terrifying loss of bearings except on one other occasion, I was eleven years old, in a funky dutch gable garret back in Syosset.
The first of two times on this trip that I hearkened back to Helen McHargue's beautiful ode to age and balance.
OddBall
Walking straight. A challenge? Who would guess? The brilliance of our gyroscope - Its praises unsung, is a quiet miracle.
I stagger now and list left-wise. Loopily, my destinations reached. But I see eyebrows raised… My aura broadcasts “Oddball”
Aging brings gifts in its wrinkled basket. Becoming invisible was an unexpected pleasure. Different again - I’m sticking out. Looking crazy, looking drunk.
What did you say? I can’t hear you either. Whisper something in the good ear. Something kind.
© Helen Branch McHargue 2013