Parade

I was walking in down town Chattanooga with my friend, Nick. We passed a group of people probably about five years or so younger than us dressed in I guess what you would call punk garb. They all had torn clothing and the boys had unique facial hair. They stood out in their clean surrounding. Two of them were holding guitars and as we walked past they began walking behind us. Then I heard-

"Do you wanna join our parade?" 

We both turned around, slowing down and they met our pace with huge grins, strumming their guitars dramatically. "We are starting a parade, do ya wanna join?" 

Yes. Yes, I wanted to join. But then logic struck and we both regretfully declined. We had to study, we were sorry. They just smiled and asked us what we were studying. Nick mentioned psychology and one of the guys suggested a book that sounded really interesting. We walked away and I felt the weight of my backpack pulling me down to earth. Pulling me down. 

I wanted to join their parade. With every fiber of my being, I wanted to join them. Get to know them. Learn about where they came from and why they were clearly living out of the truck they stood beside when I first saw them. What did they know and where were they going? I wanted to walk alongside them without fear, clapping or dancing or something that wasn't studying for something I truly have no passion for. 

I want more things like this to happen, I want more opportunities, I want to be asked daily if I want to join a parade. Because I do and I will. 

Loved,

Jaime