The Race

          It took off with the speed and agility of an ancient Olympian runner, bursting forth at an unheard cue, as if there were some sudden and universal consensus that it was time for the race to begin. It did not look back as it soared at a blistering pace toward some unknown destination, some undisclosed finish line with adoring spectators and wealth and prestige no doubt in store. It began well. It began with a conviction, an immovable certainty of its beginning and its ending; it had most assuredly plotted out its course with the utmost care and consideration in order to ensure its destination was reached with all conceivable efficiency and expediency.

But, suddenly, hesitation.

Just as quickly as it had started, it stopped in midstride, hovering precariously between progression and inaction, frozen in time for an instant, inexplicably indecisive as to its next move. It drifted, slowly at first, but then quickening its pace downward as if it suddenly feared the heights to which it had climbed. Yet, before it touched the ground, a new gust of conviction seemed to fill its sails, and off it soared as if it had no memory of ever wanting to stop at all.

But what was this? It turned, did a spin of sorts and began its frenzied pursuit in the direction from which it had come. Had its fear turned to regret? Had it been a mistake to leave in the first place? Had the destination itself moved?

Regardless of the reason, it took off once more with all the passion and resolve it had possessed in the beginning, only pausing from time to time to enjoy a small spin of joy or maybe a quick, relaxing drift for a time. The confused parade continued in this way for some time, a conglomeration of processions and recessions, each close on the heels of the other, never convincingly promising consistency in direction, only motion.

At long last, it reached its destination, coming to rest by a stolid wall of blue, perhaps the sky itself, leaning against its side and rewarding itself with a much deserved rest. Its journey had been undulating, unpredictable, and uncertain at times, but here now, it finally felt it was precisely where it needed to be. If only to push just a little further…

It was just then that a bypassing person happened to glance down at it, and pausing from the tune they had just been humming, picked up the grocery bag, placed it in the recycling bin, and continued on their walk through the parking lot, humming happily once again.