00:02.33 – First Draft

A blackout in the room again.
A busted lip and broken skin.
I wake up in the bathroom,
..and dare not bother asking
..why the mirror’s craked and all I see
..are shards of glass inside of me.

There’s voices there to dare me,
..my father’s here to scare me.
My mother she sits beyond the door.
She’s curled up crying on the floor.
Look at what her son’s done.

When the weight of all the world’s gone wrong.
Wrong again.
Gone wrong again.

Liars they leave a guilty trail.
Let me tell you, I’ve been lying for years.
That must be why I’m standing in this space.
Disregarding that I’ve created these monsters,
..that are on both of my sides.
So I wipe the blood from both of their eyes.
From all four of their eyes.

While I wait for wounds to heal,
..I see you by the window sill.
Your heart’s torn out;
..a plastic spoon,
..when honesty lit up that room.
So I stole the pillowcase to clean,
..this mess I’ve made of someone else’s dream.
Now you’ve seen what I’ve done,

When the weight of all the world’s gone wrong again.
Gone wrong again.

This room is old and wise.
I fall onto the bed and wonder,
..”How did I get here?”
I was a little boy who would argue with a tree.
“Go ahead thump his head,
..he’ll turn back to normal.”

Now why is that what I see?
Don’t bother trusting me.
Don’t bother waiting.
Don’t bother changing things that won’t give into changing.
Just let me go away.
I’m packed.
Whenever.
Let’s go.
Whenever.

Sunlight glimmers from above but not directly, as the sun has just piqued it’s upper position in the sky; shone on the infants face. Colors abound, and spread in all directions. Blues, red, indigos and the pure white light. All stream across the innocence. Across the pure, pale skin check of this tiny life held in embrace before them. Intricate and delicate fabric, fashioned for this very occasion draped from the delicate body.

Rays of light pierce the overall gray that is the sky. The crisp wind cuts the very tiniest of cracks within the walls. These chill those inside to the slightest degree. Those sitting on the the long, wooden seats; those cold themselves, yet the perceived embrace of the occasion brings warmth to all.

As this, most important right of passage proceeds. Those attending the event focus completely on that which is before them. Outside, the passage of gold, tan, red and blue cars fade. All memories and regrets forgotten.

Trickles of water drip, ceremoniously across the brow of the young child.

—

Proud, tall and thin, he presides over the ship. Such respect his crew has for him, as he has overseen them through times of ordinary existence, awaiting the inevitable or that which will never come. They unquestionably follow him, as his experience and undeniable loyalty to them an the mission never falter.

As those they fight embark upon him and his crew, it becomes clear that that there is no escape from this, the inevitable fate of what lies ahead.

—

Just one of a multitude of scenarios that pass through her mind, for her tiny prince. A respected Naval officer presiding over a crew of substantial adoration. A hero of men, responsible for that which will change the lives of many, for better or worse, but to his best judgement. A man, a husband, a father. That pillar of the family to uphold generations to come.

—

All could have been, she imagines. So much that he could be.

As the sun passes over the, the light moves beyond the windows above. Those individuals presiding over this moment move aside. Without the noonday illumination blanketing the miniscule soul, the lifeless gray returns to his tiny cheeks. The baptismal droplets of water slowly trickle down his tiny head.

She drops to her knees as his small body is placed in the equally small casket. Her mind overcome for the boy, only three days old, and the man she never met, and that he could have been.

Goodness Cafe is located at the intersection of Monroe and Laveille Streets, very near downtown and next to the (former?) Peoria Bread Company. It appears that the PBC operates out of Goodness Cafe now, and is owned/operated by the same, including Senator David Koehler. Don’t mess with Sen. Koehler, by the way. Goodness Cafe just opened for business a week or two ago.

The place is amazing. “Franchise-fodder,” if you ask me. Many may describe the atmosphere as “eclectic.” I think it’s just a nice, clean, warm place with really good food. I did not have the soup, but it looked absolutely fantastic.

I really hope this place makes it. This is just a good place with good people, in the heart of a neighborhood. This is exactly the type of establishment needed in the area. Goodness Cafe is the “full package:” good food, good people, good reach across an immense array of foodies. As a result, I feel this is a gem. Time (and your business) will help Goodness Cafe become a new member in Peoria history.

(Ratings explanation.)

• Menu

A dozen or so offerings, scrawled on a blackboard behind the counter. Sandwiches of all types. Many veggie offerings.

• Food

Really good, very carefully prepared, fresh and quality food. I chose the avocado turkey on sour dough. Awesome. Large portion, too. More than enough for lunch. I was also given a side of hummus and (vegen) coleslaw as a “grand opening” special.

• Ambience

Just amazing. Local artwork is prevalent, and most for sale.

• Staff

Incredibly nice. All seemed honored to have me as a customer.

• Price

Right around the $5. Perfect for a good lunch from a local restaurant.

• Return?

Without a doubt. Go as soon (and as often) as you can.

Support your local businesses!