Passing Car

A little memoir piece.

     I stepped down from the sidewalk into the crosswalk, but felt a chill and quickly stepped back.  A car whizzed by me, not even a foot of empty space between us.  In the air left behind it, I smelled the stench of death.

     We have all been close to death.  We have felt it bump our hand like a reluctant girlfriend wanting to make the first move or heard it scratching at the door like a freezing puppy, whimpering, pleading to be let in.  We have seen it, beckoning to us, gently urging us to come or tasted it in food that attempted to expand as it slid down our throats.  Or smelled it in the air left behind a speeding car.

     To live is to be in a constant tango with death.  Aside from these moments, we never truly think about or realize just how close death is at all times.  When someone passes suddenly and seemingly without warning, we find ourselves in that uncomfortable position of being reminded that we are not invincible.  These moments make us feel vulnerable and emotional, but quickly pass and are forgotten just as quickly among the bustle of life.  But sometimes, something happens that churns up the silt in the bottom and backs of our minds that brings back a memory of one of those uncomfortable times.

     I sometimes think about that day with the car, and what would have happened if I hadn’t felt that chill that caused me to take a step back.  Maybe that was some kind of guardian angel, or perhaps even Death himself, saying “It’s not your time yet.”~

Reviews

[Christina Hill]

Wow ! You really captured some raw emotions and thoughts and put them in writing !
The line, To live is to be in a constant tango with death, is very powerful.
We should tell ourselves that every single day. It is odd but for me, with coronavirus
swirling around, I have never felt more alive. Yes, I am deeply burdened with worry about others health
and safety and yet, I feel very much alive. I suppose to consider death as we live each day makes us more passionate about living. Your story has reminded me of moments I have had with close calls of death. This story spoke to me. It reminded me that we must say to ourselves, "Don't get bored, get busy !" We must stay engaged and continue to strive to make ourselves the best we can be. Certainly, we all know that our days here on earth are numbered. Thank you for this outstanding writing piece !