There is a certain bridge that has been
out of service for quite some time now

Its been this way as long as Ochito could remember
Even before he was “Ocho”

It would appear that this structure has a
temperament of its own and it, sadly, wants to be stay broken, out of service

This choice bewilders Ocho almost to the point of tears
Why, he asks as he slams his enraged fist on the disintegrating table that is his patience

Why?
Why?
Of all the relationships, why did it have to be this one?

Perhaps it was written
Perhaps

There is an image of an elegant, ancient face,
permanently etched on Ocho’s chest

This is not a metaphor, I assure you, seeing in that the
image was made in ink, carved in blood and weathered in the sands of time

It’s quite real

This image resembles, when gazed upon in the right
light, of course, a picture of a woman’s face right next to ochito's heart muscle
It’s quite difficult to decipher why it ended up there
in the first place, nevertheless, there it remains

Motionless
Silently staring out,
into the world

Waiting perhaps?
For what? I couldn’t tell you

I've often considered the possibility that it waits for the original author to return; to
come back and claim both it and what’s patiently beating inside his chest

Not even the sun or moon itself dare comment on such matters

Mystified, Ocho stares at the images blank expression
A melancholy grin shines through as he realizes
That “they” cannot be separated by things
like lifetimes and solar systems, so he waits

Together...

They wait, and wait and wait.
Not in anguish; no
In faith

I relish in the open, welcoming arms that greet me
upon my returns from inside the void

It feels good to be missed, in other words.

The knowing that getting what you give, replenishes Ochito's blistered spirit

Troublesome are the times, when have they not been?
However, this safety net is Ocho’s comfort
To know that the welcoming arms that brandish
the tenderest fruit available: Love, will be there for you at
the end of the day, no matter what

There’s no comparing.
Its no contest.  
The greatest treasure in all of the
land, is truly, friends and family

How many do you have?

Hmmmm?

Surely you have some idea
Is it a lot? I bet it is.

I would wager they are the grains of sand on a volcanic beach somewhere
They are the luminescent suns that guide our night skies

Eternal, unending, countless, unexpected, like spring showers.
Forever, on and on they are, like a sea of solar systems in the vast ocean that is our galaxy

Count them
the blessings in your life
Go ahead
Do it now

Use your fingers and toes if you have to
What else is there to do with all of eternity?

The minutes
They keep flying, breezing past you
Leaving only a gentle rocking of leaves.

Whoooosh!

Do you even notice?
I’m not saying to keep count.
No.
I’m saying, Be aware.
They aren’t coming back.
They vanish as spring flowers do.
Way too many have raced past Ochito, way too many

But not anymore

He puts them in his pocket now and savors them like the tasty snack they are
The mighty ambrosia cannot compare and his palette is that much sweeter these days

.....She came for me, at the last possible moment

Seconds before I was to be swallowed into the dark place which
none have returned from...

She held her hand out to me, smiling as she pulled me out...

Her timing, impeccable.
My gratitude, immeasurable.

I dust myself off, gently grasp her hand, and together we continue onward towards the light

What ever it is you want in life
Be clear about what it is, then go get it

Go

Go now

Everyday you wait, ponder, stall, postpone
Is a gargantuan insult to those who were not fortunate to receive
the gift of today, like you did

You still have time

Go

If you truly want it bad enough,

you will find a way

If you don't,

then you'll make an excuse