U Turns

And how should a beautiful, ignorant stream

of water know it heads for an early release.

--Carl Sandburg

 Consult a date book, check a calendar, and events penciled in may happen. The notation, like a string tied around a finger acts as a reminder. This will happen barring any unexpected occurrences. Changes suggest writing in pencil. Ink assumes assurances that can't be assumed.

The future remains murky-- a Siren luring us with promises. Fractured stories appear in the newspaper each day. Tomorrows assured yesterday altered today.

Or dead ends changing direction and opening up spaces never imagined.

A few words uttered and the trajectory of one's life altered.  A step off a curb and everything changes. 

A terrorist bomb targets people whose calendars didn't include becoming part of someone else's story line.

An ordinary day and unexpected events spin out a new scenario. 

Expect the unexpected and always use a pencil.