Night Rally / March 16 2007
I am having trouble sleeping at night. It’s the horses, you see. They gather outside my bedroom window in the early hours, around half-past two, three o’clock.
I haven’t managed to do a full head-count yet, but I would say that on average there are always about twenty or thirty that regularly assemble there, waiting.
It is a little creepy, and I have so far felt somewhat apprehensive about leaving the security of my bed and looking out of the window. Generally, I am awakened by their calling to me. ‘Davy, Davy, come out,’ they sing. ‘Join us, Davy. Join us.’
But sometimes I awake prior to their arrival, full of expectation and wonder. I have - so far at least - not answered. I dare not even look at them.
I feel sorry for the disappointment they must feel. I feel sorry for their agony of frustrated anticipation when I don’t reply. But the fact that these docile creatures and I should have this shared nocturnal experience is something of a comfort; and I am often rendered less anxious by this unexpected evolution of our apposite paths.
After they leave, I sleep much more soundly.
‘Davy, come down. Davy -’ Oh what plaintive and reassuring melodies my equine tormentors are able to create in their soft and earnest supplications!
I have no idea what fanciful conceit compels them to do this. Perhaps they honestly believe I would be happier out there roaming the empty streets with them instead of sweating in my bed, alone, insensate and feigning deafness. Perhaps the notion originated out there in the grassy suburbs of the Euro-Chem plant, and, once fully developed, galvanized the herd into action. Or perhaps it was determined long ago that I would eventually join their contented ranks, and that now, ultimately, it is time to begin their passionate entreaty.
‘Come out, Davy. Run with us.’
Tonight, I have resolved to rise from my soft pillows and to finally acknowledge the presence of my new friends. Tonight, perhaps, I shall answer their calls with: ‘I’m coming.’
Filed under Depression / Dreams / Loneliness / Poetry / Science Fiction / Short Stories / Writing
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