January 9, 2013: In My Place
Song: “In My Place” by Coldplay from A Rush of Blood to the Head
(Picture from http://sacpedart.com)
The pace was frantic. So much shoving and pushing and jockeying and trampling. Dear God, why couldn’t everyone just slow down a moment.
It was hot. So damn hot. And getting hotter. And loud. Oh the noise. The screaming and bleating. It was dizzying. Overwhelming.
I saw the woman stumble forward, hands out stretched, voice tight.
“Please, please! I just need a salad!”
The cashier pitilessly shook his head. “I’m sorry, ma’am,” he replied, “This is the lunch rush. You’ll have to wait like everyone else.”
And so the mob engulfed her once more and I was thankful not to her weeping above the din.
We all have a half hour. We all must eat. But first we all must wait. This is the lunch rush.