Movement without Wind
Last night’s walk, while taking the same amount of time as previous walks, sped by quickly. Nothing of note lay on the pathways, no new people met and the sky was a distant companion. As I walked back towards home, I realized there was no wind. That made things hotter than before and no soothing breeze as I crossed the overpass linking my neighborhood with the relatively new one.
Due to the routine of the sights, I let my mind wander more. I had picked up the book Dies the Fire by S.M. Stirling and, nearly done with it, replayed the story in my mind. Imagine our everyday world without the use of electricity or even gunpowder. All of civilization crumbles, thousands perish from the sudden absence of technology and even more die from starvation and disease.
Firearms no longer work, governments collapse and the only law is that of the strongest. Is it a person’s true nature to turn cannibal or sadistically evil? Perhaps. Just as well for those that nuture and protect.
The book had allowed a past fancy become more defined and made me reflect on all the gadgets I’m addicted to as well as hobbies I’ve indulged in that could contribute to survival. I say this with a chuckle that I would probably be one of the near dying.
Accompanying such thoughts was a grand playlist the iTunes’ Genius had assembled from “Streamside” by the Album Leaf. Pearl Jam and Tori Amos followed and the near ethereal performances brought to light that even readily avaiable music would also be gone. A protangoist in the book was a musician and the morale boost of her singing was tremendous.
The evening closed silently as I reached home, shutterring the thoughts that such an event, while slim, was possible. I had found a new book series that would stimulate my brain with not only a wonderful story but also musings of what could be.
Yes, I bought the second novel in the series.
