This morning my very wonderful brother helped me put the last of the things in storage. Carrying the dresser up the stairs to the storage unit, he kept asking, "Are you good?" I'd reply, "Yeah I'm good. Are you good?" "Yeah, I'm good. Are you STILL good?" [halfway up the flight, me taking the stairs backwards] "Oh, I'm still good! You cool?" "Yeah, I'm cool...."
After that, we were masters of efficiency and the geometry of a 5x10 space. As I locked the door, I took one last look, and said, "Goodbye Memphis." Chris said, "Goodbye America!" rather joyfully, for me in a way. We negotiated some last-minute business, one being the pick-up time of My Piano Monday morning. I am going to miss My Piano very much, he was a good friend, a sentient drinking partner, and over our last year together, we weathered a lot of ups and downs. Breaking up is, indeed, hard to do.
I drove along Madison Avenue, the grey sky above downtown. I passed empty buildings, and wreckless men pushing grocery carts; the streets were a bit deserted, it was quiet and windy. The river was just ahead, behind the city. All I could think was, "Yeah, I'm cool..."
btw thanks, kate, for the great photo!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite quotes from Jim Jarmusch's film "Mystery Train" is when the Japanese tourist wakes up in one of those no-tell motels, looks out the window, and says to his girlfriend: "It feels cool to be in Memphis."
ReplyDeleteGuess it feels cool to leave it, too, sometimes.
Elisabeth,
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog. I hope your Euro time is lovely.
So... are you good? What's happening? Were they real people? Are you safe? Kidnapped? Need to send bail or bribe or ransom or randall?
ReplyDeleteyeah, no kidding...give us an update. jet lag is no excuse.
ReplyDeleteF'real. Holla back.
ReplyDeleteLa la la. I've found the longer I'm gone, the more I embrace Memphis rap. Gangsta Blac, Three Six, Al Kapone, Yo Gotti, Project Pat. It's getting bad. I wonder if this will be your experience as well.
ReplyDeleteI want to read about your stuff.
ReplyDeleteWtf? Seriously. You need to update. And also to email Dr. J.
ReplyDeleteLove and miss you, tho.
I think this blog business is a bust.
ReplyDelete