The Old Woman, the Tulip, and the Dog

I Want to Live

38 I Want to Live I want to live said the old woman like a flame in flight sky cloudless visibility unlimited looking down from a United Airlines window gin and tonic in hand at the green and golden graphics of agribusiness wheat the action painting of the Rockies the Cartier bling of a nocturnal city knowing what I know what everybody knows about my country the leeches the worms look I can still shed sparks of pride at its unsurpassed beauty I want to live a life of passion said the dark red tulip you see how hot how velvety I am come a little closer do not close your eyes in fear of the moisture in the depths of my well do not casually turn away here I am in the suburbs not going anywhere but 39 look at me I’m a flame too and I will perish like a flame I want to live where I can have it all said the dog and that means the Big Apple the stimulating street life the noseenhancing fragrances does it surprise you to know my favorite is snow though I also like being able to scratch in the dirt and having people ask my owner my name it flatters my vanity and does good things for my owner’s social life ...