Why didn’t you ask?

Robins congregate,
cavort,
frolic,
taunt.

Blissfully unaware.

When I saw my neighbor and his golden approaching, I mindfully crossed to the opposite side of the street. Normally Gracie and Henrietta enjoy a good sniff while tangling their leashes and limbs.

“How are you doing John?” I asked from more than six feet away.

“Alright,” he said.

His tone led me to my next question….

“Are you feeling okay?”

“Not really. I’ve been up and down for the past week.”

Up and down? Up and down? What does that mean??

By this point, we had passed each other like cars on a highway, going opposite directions.

“Well, hang in there,” I called from a safe distance.

“I will,” he replied with a half smile.

I don’t really know this man beyond shared weather analysis and How are your kids and dog?

As Henri and I continued on toward the horses and cats I asked myself, Why didn’t you asked more questions? Why didn’t you ask if his unease is physical or emotional?

And all I came up with to answer myself was……You didn’t really want to know, because then you’d feel responsible for a clever and uplifting response. You were unprepared. You expected the normal answer of “I’m fine.” Your personal mantra is, Suck it up buttercup and keep moving.

By the time I reached the corner, my inner thoughts had reached a crescendo of boxing blows….

Why aren’t you more compassionate?
Why aren’t you a cheerleader?
Why? Why? Why?
Because
that’s
not
your
way.
Leave that should to those who own it.
Keep going
your way.

In front of feet and paws, robins continued to cavort, frolic, and taunt.
I wished for their blissful state of being.

Suck it up buttercup and keep moving….
came my reply
to myself.

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How is your self talk going these days?