Disclaimer: Steve had nothing to do with this blog, most likely does/would not agree with/endorse it, and furthermore is completely unaware of/apathetic to its existence...
It’s been said that everyone should have at least one talent, and most do. But then there are those, like Kari Kennedy, who somehow are able to effortlessly combine intelligence, style, beauty, a natural proclivity to tell great stories, and dare I say it, grace. And she’s not too bad in the kitchen either.
Today Kari was nice enough to have a group of students over to enjoy each others company and some good brisket. But there was something a little bit different about today’s Easter rendezvous: a certain gentlemen, going by the name of Steve joined us. (Steve is Kari’s friend visiting from California)
My initial meeting with Steve was admittedly rocky. Blame it on his sleep deprivation, blame it on the sub-par lighting, but the expectations I had set, though remarkably high, were not quite met. But then there was this afternoon, when I was proved very wrong.
Steve and I were able to spend some time together, discussing politics, morality, the war, the morality of politics in a war setting. It was charming; the conversation flowing smoothly with intermittent pauses which we reflectively filled with nodding, sipping our drinks, shrugging, sipping, and nodding again. The afternoon shadows grew longer and a strange feeling, which can only be identified as hope, washed over me.
Our conversation turned towards relativism and the merits of anthropology in the 21st century, and wondered aloud, what can one do with such a life? We smiled sadly at each other, then sipped, shrugged, shook hands, nodded, shrugged, shook hands, sipped and nodded and sipped and shook and shrugged once again. Finally we shook hands and parted ways.
As I was walking away I thought if I turned back I might see him still there in the window, perhaps looking out and waving goodbye one last time, perhaps even a tear rolling gently down his face, but looking back, Steve, my friend, my hero, my captain, was not there.
3 comments:
Oh Dawn, I have no idea what the elipses could possibly mean!
So I'm not sure what to think right now, but I believe you had a really good conversation with my friend Steve. He is a great conversationilist and I knew that the two of you would engage each others minds in such a way that would speak straight to your identites, maybe it's because you are both philosphers. Glad you enjoyed today. Kari
PS I realize there are probably typos within this but it's late!
Melody,
I'd hate to be dramatic, but ever since Kari began commenting on my blog my traffic, as well as the overall caliber of the blog, has increased 10 fold. Kari is really the best.... I'll email her and see if I can't get her to drop a comment in. We're very lucky!
Michael
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