Short Story: I Have Given Up

I have given up.

I have given up trying to fit in.

It never works.

Besides,

Those that hear me beating my drum come from their corners beating their drums and before you know it we've got a parade down Main Street.

So meet us in the hardware store parking lot at 5 p.

M.

The day after tomorrow.

Bring your drum.

I've given up trying to control all the things,

Marriage,

Interest rates,

And the multi-color rainbow array of my children's choices.

Instead,

I have decided to lessen the grip on the reins and rest in the reality that something bigger is piloting this vessel of life.

I have given up the idea of what good women do.

Keep the house,

Make the meals,

Act the part.

If for some reason while showering God tells me go to the woods,

I'm gonna do it.

I'm not totally reckless.

I tell Tom prior to departure where to look for my body because in the woods I keep coming home to myself realizing she's pretty fantastic,

This old girl created in the image and all.

And so are you.

You are too.

And so are you.

Next week instead of the hardware store parking lot let's meet near the base of the redwood trees with our drums,

Our off-key singing voices,

And pita chips.

Together we will march and sing and dance and give up the notion of whatever it is we should be doing instead.

No RSVP required.

Just come as you are.