The Heart Of The Beast----Page 6

The dark hot musky smell of a
tropical land. It feels as if a fever
has me by the throat forming a thick
sphere of gelatinous mucus on the roof
of my mouth. Is my forehead as hot
as I think or is it some strange illusion
that the heat has chosen to vex me with
as part of a merciless game?
A city unending and alive with the
joy and sorrow of millions. A chaotic
madness that for some reason proceeds
without calamity. Where is the violence?
The missing person reports proceed incessantly.
Can love be found among this swirling mass
of humanity? Is the outside world aware
of the beating heart of this city? Is this
city aware of the outside world?
A ballet of infamy on the ruins of
a once great empire. The theater is
silent and the dancers still as if time
has stopped and been crystallized into one
classic image. Applause breaks the spell
that has captivated us.
The longing for home. Imagining the
moment of return. A vivid dream that
almost becomes reality from the power of
sense memory. A matter of time passing
leading to the eventual homeward voyage.
The pleasure of crossing the few remaining
miles. The sun shines on our faces and
our spirits are lifted as we arrive at the
starting point.