Does anyone have the time?

There are times that Monk Ki goes off the ranch. One can’t sit around in total silence and know what they might be missing unless they experience what they are missing. That’s the problem with people today- they don’t know what they are missing.

“Back in the good old days the trains ran on time.” The woman on the station platform spoke to Monk Ki since he was the only person standing there with her. She didn’t look at him; she looked down the track hoping to see the headlight of the overdue train.

“Back in the good old days?” He looked at the two rails in front of him and considered asking her about duality. “Didn’t the good old days precede the days of antibiotics, central heating and cooling, transportation that brings us edible food year around?”

She glared at him as if he’d stepped in something foul. “You know what I mean.”

He didn’t but the look on her face indicated that the good old days included the time before he asked his questions.

“I guess it is a matter of perception.” He noted that the track had been recently worked on.

“What the hell do you mean by that Mr. Smarty pants?”

He felt his jeans. He knew he was wearing Levi’s. He’d never even heard of the brand she mentioned.

“I didn’t mean anything by it. I was explaining that you have a perception and I have a perception.

“Well my perception includes a boss that’s going to chew my ass out for coming to work late.”

Monk Ki looked at her and tried not to stare. A sailor might have the perception that she was a bit wide in the beam. Monk Ki knew better than to suggest that perception. She’d stated that her boss would “chew her ass.” His perception was the boss better have sharp teeth and lots of time. Monk Ki was positive this was not something he should vocalize.

Monk Ki looked down the track and saw a headlight sweep around the curve. He felt confident he could mention this perception. “Here comes the train.”

“It’s about time.” She tossed her empty coffee cup to the platform.

“Time. That’s an interesting concept.” She didn’t reply.