missing a man I never knew

I am sitting in Panera in Eldersburg, Maryland. A light rain is falling into cold air and freezing that upon which it falls. School is delayed. I am now a resident of a two hour limbo. I have to sit here and think about going into work. My precious routine has been broken. I am forced to be aware of my surroundings. I don't like that. At moments such as this I remember Mark Heard. His writings come to my mind, so I will share them here.

These days
We put on cars like shoes
And walk faster
We form lines and remain mute
Almost unaware of the walkers around us
As we transcend space
We put on wings like a coat
And spend morning and evening in separate worlds
Instant schizophrenia
As we transcend time

Maps hide cities
Cities hide houses
Houses hide faces
Faces hide hearts
But hearts still beat quietly
Few feel even their own pulse
But hearts are made to beat
We can drown them out with more accessible rhythms
But they continue the counterpoint
Hearts are made to beat
Our souls are still within us
Our Creator waits for us to notice
As our geographical boundaries
Are chased around the sun by time
Decaying in a fashion some call normal
[from Mark Heard's journal, www.markheard.net/heardtribute/archive/news.html]

He makes me glad that I am not the only person to feel this way. More than selfish empathy however, he gives me hope. I am glad to have this time, lest I am lulled to sleep by my daily drudgery. I am dreading the day, but that reality must serve to make me want and create more. Thank you Mark.