I was heading home the other night from what i thought, given that I have been battling a long and very annoying achilles injury, was a pretty good run down near the beach.
I was dressed in my usual "runner garb" - which, I might add, is pretty sleek.
So, doing my cool down, I walked slowly up the last block to our house, stretching my achilles with each exaggerated step.
Needless to say, what with the sun out, no wind, and wearing my fancy duds, I was feelin' mighty impressive.
Across the street, parallel to me and walking at my same ambling pace, was a little girl - of about 4 or 5 - and (who I presumed was) her mother. She kept looking over at me and I smiled and gave a small wave; she waved back, but after like the 5th glance over, stopped walking. No doubt (I thought) she is in awe of the majesty of my running physique and ever-so-fast looking presence....at which point she looked directly at me, and tugging at her mom's hand, pronounced in a not-too-sotto-voce tone, "Mommy, that man looks silly!!" And, just to make sure all heard her, including her mother, me, and probably everyone within a 100 mile radius, she repeated this, even louder - whilest pointing right at me: "MOMMY - THAT MAN LOOKS SILLY".
wow. Out of the mouth's of babes.
I really wanted to look around as if there was someone else walking behind me that was really "The Loser" - but I maintained my tattered dignity, and refused to allow the little brat the satisfaction.
As I skulked home, I wished there had been a wild mountain goat or cougar around to pounce on her.
peace out,
Johnny Boy
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