Copper, Zinc

Screaming Like Kids Do

He's trying to read this damn book Talia gave him, but the plot is like a maze and he's lost. Every story is interrupted and another one starts and they never seem to resolve until later when the conflict and the people involved aren't even the same anymore because time has passed and everything's different now. It's giving him a headache. He does some exercise, trying to keep it up, at least daily, for the first time in his life, and once the smell of his sweat is palpable, once it outweighs the incense he burned this morning, he sits down on the couch and picks the book up and tries again, his heart pounding. But he can't concentrate. Now there are kids outside playing and screaming like kids do. He keeps getting up and looking out the window, making sure things are okay, because sometimes it sounds serious, but it's always just kids playing. He keeps at the book.

The plot that's been happening for a while (and will therefore soon fade away) is kind of disturbing. From what he can gather it involves a brother and sister who, separated as infants, meet again and fall in love, not knowing of course that they're related. They've been dating a few months and are even thinking about moving in together when, through some weird coincidence involving a letter from someone he can't figure out, either because they were introduced a long time ago and he's forgotten or they haven't been introduced at all, the girl gets the idea that she has a long lost brother. What she doesn't know is that her lover/brother also received the letter, saying he has a long lost sister. This stirs up strange emotions in both of them, and so neither brings it up to the other., but instead goes about trying to find this long lost sibling.

There are many trials involved, but eventually—and at about the same time, of course—they both find out, separately, through some genealogy records or something, that their significant other is, in fact, their sibling. Both are disgusted with themselves, but out of love they continue their relationship, consumed with guilt and shame and even desire.

Weeks pass and their relationship seems to strengthen. They begin plans to move in together, and even pick out an apartment. They've slowly let go of some of the self-hatred, and each has in some sense rationalized their decision with the love they felt not only beforehand but now, a love that seems to build every day, and sometimes they're even able to forget for a moment their horrible secret, and laugh together like they used to. Shortly before the move-in date, while packing, one of them—it never says which—finds the letter from the genealogy website addressed to the other, and they realize that they've both been in the know for months now. For some unknown reason, the knowledge of the complicity in the other brings about such an extreme disgust, that the one immediately calls the other on their phone and ends the relationship, barely able to contain the feelings of revulsion. The story cuts off here, providing no additional satisfaction to the reader. The point has, he guesses, already been made, and now something else is happening.

The kids outside are screaming again, louder this time, and Donald sets the book down, annoyed, and looks through the blinds outside. The children are running in every direction. Two men are fighting in the street while two women look on screaming. He can't tell if they're trying to break up or encourage the fight, but it doesn't matter. Barefoot, he runs outside, shutting the door behind him.

All Together Now

This is His Job

Just before noon Donald changes into the uncomfortable suit (it's too tight) and black dress shoes. Checks his reflection in the cabin bathroom and makes his way to the boarding area, where there's a long line already formed, throngs of tourists backed up in sunglasses and hats, families and couples and big groups of schoolchildren of all ages. He fixes his smile and maintains it as they board, all ninety-six of them. The fog is mostly gone by now, lucky for them, the customers. Once they get their sodas, their popcorn, their memorabilia, their seats, and with the boat departed, he begins:

“Good afternoon, everyone, how are we doing today? (pause for response) Welcome aboard the Sea Otter, one of the many ships owned by the Silver and Gold Fleet based here in the beautiful Bay Area. My name is Donald, though Don is fine too, and I'll be your audio guide today for the duration of the trip. I was born right here in the Golden Gate City thirty-five years ago, and nothing nor no one can convince me to leave, so don't waste your time (pause for laughs). By the end of this trip, I'm sure you'll see why that is. We've got a lovely trip ahead of us today, and that Bay Area fog you've heard so much about seems to be finally giving us a break. We're going to be here on the Sea Otter for just over two hours this afternoon, so please take advantage of the restrooms located on the lower deck, and feel free to stand and stretch your legs if needed. If you'd like to remain standing during the trip, we ask that you please make your way to the boat's rear on the lower deck, where there is ample standing room for those interested.

“As of noon it's exactly seventy degrees in the Bay Area, with only a ten percent chance of rain, lucky for you (pause for laughs). If you have any additional questions or concerns not covered by myself, feel free to flag down any Sea Otter employee at any time. You can identify us by our Silver and Gold hats. In the event of an emergency we ask that you please remain calm and orderly. Below each seat you will find flotation devices that can be applied by placing your head through the center hole here, and after adjusting to fit your chest, buckled with the clasps on each side. There are emergency rafts to the Sea Otter's rear on both sides. But I wouldn't worry folks, in twenty years of business the Silver and Gold Fleet hasn't had a single accident, and we're not gonna start now.

“One more reminder: drinks, including soda, sparkling and mineral water, and even beer can be purchased in the lower deck's concession area, along with snacks like salted pretzels, hot dogs while they last, candy and candy bars, popcorn, and much more. With that being said, allow the Silver and Gold Fleet to thank you once again for choosing us, as well as the staff of the Sea Otter. Now, let's get started, folks.”

He tells the history of San Francisco, of Alcatraz, the bridges, the earthquakes, the sports teams. He mentioned the hippies of the city and the Berkeley sixties and Oakland with it's long-gone Black Panthers. He speaks of the weather, the fog and winter rain and summer droughts. The cable cars and BART and the Pyramid building and Treasure Island. He mentions the big players, the companies, the famous celebrities and, briefly, a couple tragedies. Every emotion, carefully written, carefully delivered in radio personality eloquence and timing, are covered. Thousands of photos are taken, including—as usual—a few of Donald with his big silly nice guy grin. Still, some children keep their distance. After dropping them off, they pick up more and he does it again. And then again.

Then he goes home and watches TV and falls asleep. This is his job and these are his days.

Animals