Loopers

What tethers us to here and now, as we loop through time and space?

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We’re nestled into a tiny bun cha stand, situated on low plastic stools at the green plastic table, our legs slightly bent and snuggled underneath.

The two busy women, hard at work, arrange rice noodles, greens, and freshly-grilled meats, prepping for the mid day past. They, clear besties over many years of serving together, banter joyfully, barking orders and sharing laughs as they do the work of adulthood.

The elder wanders over with a smile and two bowls of steaming, sweet broth, immaculate dipping options for the slurpiest of noodle fare.

We partake, gratefully.

A long-tailed friend pokes his nose from under the basin, then scurries away again, business to attend. He exists in not-so-secret secret, nibbling in plain sight then retreating to scout his dinner.

We are simply tethered here, in this moment, to our next meal, after all

I peer out into the lane when I see two pairs of light purple pants and flower-patterned t-shirts. Each balancing deftly as they cruise the well-worn path on their two-wheelers. Could be twins, or at least, clear besties, with nothing to do but whittle the day together. Maybe 8 years old, mature enough to be on their own and practiced enough to ride with confidence.

They banter joyfully, barking orders and sharing laughs as they do the work of childhood. They tease one another as they circle and loop. Always just a loop, never a broader journey into the traveled alley outside their door.

At least, not yet.

But I know this: their time to branch out will come, and for their parents,

it will be all too soon.

The journey of raising a child, at times interminable, whips by

in a flash.

あっという間に

Their parents, all too soon, will be looking back on these mundane moments. Seeing the two meandering, smiling together, being kids.

These parents, all too soon,

will loop back,

and yearn so strongly to push rewind

while gazing at photos of what was, once.

And they, too,

will marvel in disbelief

at what now, is.

It has all gone by,

so, so quickly

I wonder whether these two are sisters,

or just long, long friends in their (to now) short, short lives.

I revel in their giggles and shouts, echoing across the narrow walls, as I dip, then slurp, my rice noodles

and give myself permission

to loop back.

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