Vessel Log: 2009 02 14

: just like Thanksgiving I carelessly forget about Valentine’s Day. Like New Years and resistance to list resolutions I’m disinterested in play-acting romance. Last week my grandparents sent me a V-Day card. The front read: Grandson, Happy Valentine’s Day! Always knew you’d turn out great! Just look at your parents! The inside, depicting two chimpanzees; one holding a remote in a la-z-boy and one in a silk bathrobe, bunny slippers, and rollers reads: Okay. Bad example. But still, you turned out great! On the back, a message in red pen. Rush to the train station; rain all night ground the snow into slush and puddles and mist darkens my green jacket. Someone walks up, brushes my shoulder. I’m listening to Neko Case. But it’s him and we go to the Irish Pub in the station. He brings gifts of pistachios and candy from Greece as well as a small, pink pendant with an eye at its center. “For good luck,” he says. From his diamond studded iPod he plays me Jack Johnson: “Banana Pancakes” and, from my sock-sewn iPod, play him Neko Case: “Hold On, Hold On” and the New Pornographers: “Letter From An Occupant”. The rain has matured to snow.