I get mom on the phone, after my Saturday night shift...

We talk about a lot, end up with Emily Dickinson, and not the usual, "all but death can be adjusted."

The Past is such a curious creature,
to look her in the face
A transport may reward us
Or a disgrace.

Unarmed if any meet her,
I charge him, fly!
Her rusty ammunition
Might yet reply.


I gather that to me that main thing her is the image, of The Past being an actual creature, a physical presence, and, indeed, one that is curious, ever shifting, full of a strange strong personality, ever-shifting, not knowing where you might find it.

"You've got the touch," she says, helps as i face the day...