The Band - This Wheel's On Fire: youtube.com/watch?v=reiwGA7FR7s
Yesterday I ran into Jeremy. I hadn't seen him in three years, have barely thought of him since we last saw to such an extent that I briefly forgot his name. He acted like he wasn't surprised, I asked him how long he'd be in town.
"I'm leaving tomorrow, going to South America."
He once let me stay at his house, thankfully. I was on a winter tour and was staying with a friend in her bachelor apartment until she brought a date home at 3am and I let them be. Went outside to the winter, shook my way to an overpriced hotel, woke up that day alone and full of sadness. When I told Jeremy about the hotel the next day he insisted I stay in his apartment for my last night in Halifax.
That night was no celebration. I'd driven so far to play to a few people who were mostly friends, quiet and supportive and went home early. I had to drive to Ottawa the next day and so said my thanks to Brian for having me in his bar, packed my things and left. I don't even remember if I said goodbye to Jeremy that day.
"I'm tired of cars, of people and money, I need to get away from it all. Do you know what I mean?"
I did. I spent a week this year without a phone, no computer, no communication but to faces, spent no money, slept on the ground. There were cars where I'd been but they weren't used in utilitarian ways, rather as spectacle and took second to feet, bikes. It was incredible and I want it back often. It was freedom.
"Well, I don't know when I'll see you again. Bye!" and he walked off. I wanted to tell him that he's beautiful but was still so struck by the moment that I lost my chance.
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