Sunday, December 28, 2008

The Bungelow at Heart Boulevard

Knock knock.
.
Yes?
.
This is the landlord. I’m serving notice you have to leave.

Leave? Why?
.
The rent is overdue.
.
What? Since when?
.
It’s months behind.
.
But I only occupy a small corner of this heart—there's plenty of room for others. I love the space, really. I thought the rent was taken care of.
.
It was, but now the withdrawals have exceeded the deposits. You can’t stay any longer.
.
But I have important memories here. And wishes and hopes.
.
Sorry, you have to go.
.
What if I take over the payments?
.
By yourself? What is your currency? The rent has always been paid in tendered denominations and mutual funds.
.
I can pay it that way too.
.
But if it’s just you the tendering will only be one way and the funds won’t be mutual. That is not standard practice.
.
Look, I have my own reserve to pay the rent. Can’t you accept that?
.
For how long?
.
I don’t know. Maybe I’ll just stay a few months more. But maybe I'll stay indefinitely. This space is an investment in something I care about.
.
But no more deposits? That’s risky business.
.
Who’s to say? There’s a good amount of earned equity here already. I don’t want to move as long as I feel the way I do.
.
Even if you don’t get a return on your investment? Even if you lose everything you’ve put in?
.
Yes, it’s a chance I will take. In this case I may view loss and gain the same way.
.
Even if your investment is no longer deliverable?
.
Yes, even then. But who’s to say one way or another? What does anybody know for certain?
.
Listen, I just collect the rent. I make sure the funds don’t get depleted. Staying put and making the payments yourself--it seems reckless, risky.
.
It may be. But I don’t mind. It’s not like I can’t leave. I just don’t want to, at least not yet. There are riches here. They matter to me.
.
You'll have to give notice if you leave.
.
Yes, of course, you’ll be the second to know. Right after myself.

13 comments:

  1. Aww you hold your ground. You're heart is big enough for us all!

    ReplyDelete
  2. baino, you are a doll. that's all i have to say. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. It sounds like a sound investment to me. In order to practice loving kindness, you must first love yourself. I'm glad the resident won't vacate. Hold the memories...and save some room ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. lolo,you are a doll too... :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Im hoping this is just a little quick fiction for fictions sake...I feel all apprehensive now, hope all is well in your world.

    ReplyDelete
  6. lavender, you are so sweet. i'm just renewing my "lease" on life, even if i have to pay for it all myself :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh Thanks KJ! That feels much better, aaaaaahhh!

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have one of the biggest, warmest hearts I know, KJ, and the best way to keep it warm and big is to love it and nurture it. Here's to new leases on life and "currency" that doesn't always make sense and that's a *good* thing! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. A true heart is always a good investment. Cleverly written.

    ReplyDelete
  10. aaawh, melissa, thank you. my heart's been shivering abit and your words are a warm towel around it. :)

    suki, thank you. i wonder if hearts stretch more than they break? i hope so.

    ReplyDelete
  11. When a bone breaks, it mends stronger than it originally was. Perhaps hearts are the same way.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Knock, knock, it's well worth the investment :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the title of this one...reminds me of a song, one I just hummed but never heard before...

    ReplyDelete