It was a clearie, with a tint of blue
like the eye of a sky-god.

I carried this marble with the thought
that even if I did lose all my marbles, 
(which, the experts agreed, was imminent and unavoidable, poor prognosis, etc., etc... 
But I digress.....)
Ahem.....
I carried this marble with the thought
that even if I did lose all my marbles, 
I'd still have this One left.

It was a comfort to me.

One day I was walking down the street
(or was it up the street......how do you walk up or down when streets go sideways, hmmm?...
But I digress......)
Ahem...
One day I was walking down the street
and I stopped at the crosswalk at 30th and Robinson
to wait for the you can WALK now signal.

As I pulled my hand out of my pocket 
to push the button 
(to alert the signal of my presence and desire and command it's attention and.... 
But I digress)
Ahem.....
As I pulled my hand out of my pocket 
to push the button 
the marble darted up from its warm haven, 
bounced once on the concrete,
and rolled into the black forevergoneness of the sewer drain,
vanishing from my life. 
Forever.

I was frozen in time, unable to move, unable to breathe,
staring in horror at the uncaring iron grate 
and the impenetrable darkness beyond it.

It had finally happened.
I had lost my last marble.....

Now I was free.
 
 
 
 

©artis wilder   May 1997