OddBall

Sculpture in progress - © Michael Stutz

I woke up the first morning in Santa Fe in fits of sheer terror. Hurtling towards the hotel walls, like a ship broke free of its moorings and caught in the wake of a giant wave, I had completely lost my equilibrium. The physical distress was compounded by the grim realization that I had a job to do and a show to set up in a couple of hours.

I pounded electrolytes and muttered an agnostic prayer and after what seemed like an interminable interlude finally managed to get my sea legs back, a bit later in the day. I can not ever remember experiencing such a terrifying loss of bearings except on one other occasion, I was eleven years old, in a funky dutch gable garret back in Syosset.

The first of two times on this trip that I hearkened back to Helen McHargue's beautiful ode to age and balance.

OddBall

Walking straight.

A challenge? Who would guess?

The brilliance of our gyroscope -

Its praises unsung, is a quiet miracle.

I stagger now and list left-wise.

Loopily, my destinations reached.

But I see eyebrows raised…

My aura broadcasts “Oddball”

Aging brings gifts in its wrinkled basket.

Becoming invisible was an unexpected pleasure.

Different again - I’m sticking out.

Looking crazy, looking drunk.

What did you say? I can’t hear you either.

Whisper something in the good ear.

Something kind.

© Helen Branch McHargue 2013