Stillness, like a heavy cloak, stretches around me. Hugging myself, I amble toward the parking lot. My ears detect the sound of rushing water. A fountain sits at the center of the plaza.

I pause, listening. Watching. Lights reflect off the glossy streams cascading through the stone fountain. This place is like a dreamscape, a sweet little bubble I’ve fallen into for a short time.

Too short, I think to myself.

Sighing, I climb the cement stairs that lead to my inevitable reality. The sound of the fountain fades, and the rush of cars speeding along a freeway replaces the dreamy little world I’m leaving behind. The wind kicks up, nestling into the folds of my clothes….

And then I’m back. In my car. Heading home. My little excursion was nice while it lasted.

-Written August 17, 2011
after seeing Midnight in Paris