How Life Works Sometimes

Arms and legs move mechanically induced by

electrical impulses from the brain. Eyes open

and close thoughtlessly as the hand and fin-

gers extend to reach.

We eat and sleep automatically without reason

beyond hunger and tiredness it seems. And in

and out we breathe, thinking not of oxygen or

nitrogen in the air.

It is always there. We take it in as needed, and

we need it with great frequency. Life is often

an automatic proposition it seems. To be fully

alive is to track the pop fly hit from the bat.

You see the ball ascend into the air; you run to

position yourself under it. Shading your eyes

from the sun, you extend your arms upward,

hands aligned and ready to receive;

and you breathe a deep breath and fumble, drop-
ing the ball. Is that all? No, the batter running
reaches second base. And you, panicked and
embarrassed, throw the ball to third.

Maybe after the game you'll go out for pizza
and beer with the team.

Chris Hanch  9-10-15