March 7, 2008

A Puddle Frozen in an Interesting Way

7:26 pm | My Life

Today as I stepped out of my car I looked down to see water frozen in a very unique pattern. It was a puddle with leaves in it that had frozen and thawed several times, leaving layers of ice with pockets of water. It captured my imagination for a very brief moment as I recalled the days when things like that used to mean something.

When I was younger a puddle frozen in an interesting way like that was fascinating enough to warrant my full attention for several minutes. I’d squat down and examine the leaves mixed into the ice and water. I’d step on the ice and listen to the satisfying crunch below my shoes. In fact, I’d meticulously step on every part of that frozen puddle until I had crunched any ice that was crunchable because it was indeed such a satisfying crunch. Various other winter images would go dancing through my head: ice skates, snow caves, and of course Christmas.

Now I just walk over it as I unload my gear out of my car. Many more things crowd my mind and I have no time to ponder a puddle frozen in an interesting way. That’s life, it seems. Moving from one thing to the next, overlooking that which was once note-worthy, forgetting that which was once so captivating. As much as I’d like to stop and admire that puddle, it’s too cold outside to be bothered with such things. I have stuff to do.

The same is now true of Set It Off.

Rise! Let your spirit fly!
Rise! Stand up for yourself!
Rise! Hold your head up high!
Our time has come,
Set it off!