Vessel Log: 2009 02 28

: alone in a crowded car. Neko Case again. The car is rolling then one man falls on a woman. She screams, drops her bags. Is he molesting her? Attacking her? No, he passes out. Is he convulsing? Is he vomiting? I yank the buds from my ears. The man in front of me pushes him off. He stoically comes to and leans against the blue wall decorated in blue daffodils. Doesn’t speak or apologize. The woman, stunned, picks up her bags. I want to ask if she’s okay, if she wants to move into the car. But I don’t know how. I scan the car for an empty seat but don’t see one. No one spoke.

* * *

Glad to be awake for the earthquake. From below, the collapse or rumble of earth. A passing truck, perhaps. Then tendrils reach into the frame, pulling and tugging. Angry demons have 30 seconds to do as much damage as they can. Sunlight from behind a blue curtain. Cherish the quiet. Could fold up and disappear. Photos of lamplight, positions Tyra taught me, secret portraits. Chattering mouth as A. and I walk to Nat’s Berry Farm. Sit at the counter, it’s another girl’s last day. She swigs sweet shochu from a big pink bottle.