In Totality

What They Said

inspired by Raymond Carver

Don't look directly at it, they said. Only once it has reached totality.

You need special glasses, they said.

Make sure they're real, they said. Check for fakes.

Go somewhere in the open, they said, Trees will ruin the experience.

Take the day off work, they said.

You're sure to remember it, they said.

It's almost here, they said. Get your glasses on.

The sky's getting dark, they said.

Here it is, they exclaimed. It's beautiful.

Look at the sky, they exclaimed. Look at it in totality.

This is amazing, they declared.

I'll never forget this, they promised.

It's passing, they realized.

Wasn't that exciting, they said.

The sun's coming back out, they said.

It's about time to get going, they said.

It's about time to feed the dog. Get the kids from school. Go to work. Call Grandma. Clean the house. Play video games. Call the wife. Call the husband. Start making dinner. Finish that book.

And in a few hours, they will ask, "Did something happen recently?"
"I can't remember."