barely insignificant

If I had known the graceful song I should know to slow down all the madness. I would have sung a whispered melody to calm you and keep you close. Lyrics from the ninth track on Lisbon, Torch Song. Slow down all the madness, that's exactly what you and him were thinking in chapter one. How did you two meet? It seems a long time ago now but that's what old couples say right? Before scones and afternoon tea. Do you still love the same things you used to love as a child?

Mystery Science Theater 3000, remember that? It was halfway through the laughably bad special effects that you realized you were bonding with him over a can of blue ribbon, before the hipsters had laid any claim to it. It's fun isn't it, flirting? Woozily romantic and all that before things get too heavy or too loud. All among these laughing faces, illuminated by the glare of the campy midnight movie.

Taking risks. Outside comfort zones. And I'm not talking about four strepsils at one go which makes you woozy for entirely different reasons. Was that the night you passed on a sore throat to him? It all seems so long ago doesn't it? Let's see, what else? Oh yes, the parks! I think the both of you had a worryingly untreated penchant for vandalism. What's in store for me in the direction I don't take? gaudily graffitied across the urban sprawl. Have you ever wondered about that? The direction you don't take? Is there really any point or will the myriad seemingly better possibilities just mess you up?

He's such a dreamboat isn't he? I'm pretty sure you were thinking that! Just as he was leaving and looking back at you with that sideways grin you knew so well. It's funny how beautiful people are when they're walking out the door. You left so many people, a million times. The irony hasn't been lost on anyone. You remember the windowsills, you'd perch on them with coffee in your hand and watch as he stared back. People flirt too much before they get heavy and not nearly enough after that.

Why such pretty memories? Don't be heavy, let's be light! you've told yourself a hundred times over. He's located in the song. You don't think about him during the most hurried of days and then it comes on. But I don't know the tune, it's a burden on my sorry soul. I don't have a clue, it's a weight upon my empty skull. I love seeing my old friends, I'm happy all at once, but then there's something else as well. Slow down pretty dreamer, I would have slowed. See the yards, tender goes, then it's up in wonder for all you know.