As Normal As Normal Is
I’m not a hater
but I hate shopping Harlan said
I feel like we’re cattle or ants
almost done Norma said
a couple more things
sometimes it just hits me
this insanity said Harlan
people scurrying everywhere
most oblivious to the rest
makes me anxious
whirling orbs of energy Norma said
all on their own path
well I like whirling in open space
I don’t like the chaos Harlan said
it’s the rhythm of the earth now
everything’s speeding up said Norma
can’t keep up anymore Harlan said
we’re already two thirds gone
and slowing down
I need space
I hear you said Norma
but we get bound up in life
it’s hard to escape
how do we stay balanced Harlan said
with broken souls spinning everywhere
banging into everything
we can’t get out of the way
bangs us up too
everybody’s broken Harlan Norma said
crazy thing is I think you and I
are as normal as normal is
wow
now that’s a crazy thought said Harlan
maybe we’re not as limited as some
at least we make an effort
true that Norma said
we navigate it all pretty well
for old crazy normal people
we are odd though said Harlan
odd and normal
it could be worse
well odd or not
our lives forced us to look deeper
it makes a difference Norma said
a lot of people can’t do that
too much apathy and ignorance
willful or not self absorbed
thinking they’re in control Harlan said
but none of them really are said Norma
they see us as old nut jobs Harlan laughed
that quiet little odd couple
with all the balanced stones in their yard
and flowers all over the place
gotta let them think it Harlan
can’t fix it
and why should we care Norma said
I don’t care Harlan said
it’s just people being people
I’m just ready to whirl away
to a wizardless Oz
we’re pretty lucky overall said Norma
I know
but I could still use more space
I wanna be invisible Harlan said
well this is our space at the moment dear
and I think we’re already invisible
but unless you want to shop some more
let’s go check out said Norma
fresh air Harlan said
let’s get outta here
— Harlan