The Metal Files

Every morning on my way to work around 6:45AM I see this old couple walking the streets in my neighborhood. Both have on shorts (pastel colored), a golf style 3-button shirt, tennis shoes, white socks (pulled up high of course) and a floppy hat like Gilligan would wear. They are out there every morning even when it’s raining. I would easily assume that both of them are well into their 70s and maybe even their 80s. Plain and simple, they are old. They both look pretty frail, especially the wife. I assume that’s why they are always holding hands. Maybe not. Maybe they are just holding on to each other for no other reason than they still care.

When I see them, I am always reminded of a song by Fates Warning called the Apparition and these lyrics specifically:

In the four corners of life are the golden mirrors
Reflecting what you are and what you are to be

In the first is a young boy white dove in
His hand, in the second is a warrior in armor
In the third is the old man gold watch
In his hand fourth and last
No reflection at all

One morning I’d like to just stop and say hi to them. I get the feeling that if I do, they’ll just pump their fists in the air and yell, “Stop driving like a maniac you young whippersnapper!” or “Get out of my yard!”