For the past decade, Hugo and I walked together.
Now we don’t and I miss him. And I miss our city. Walking has turned into transportation. It is practical, i feel i can speed and get places, and get things done, and move and change direction whenever i please. It is lighter, but also heavier, it is independent, but also non-negotiated. It is no longer about smells, and a dog society, those mysterious social codes. I no longer talk to the neighbours as much, there is much less community. I miss them.
I don’t really miss all the people in the street asking me if I fed you, though. Not one bit.
Tantas plantas que comerías
que catarías
Tengo que volver a aprender a caminar
así
Contigo pero sin ti
For the past decade, Hugo and I walked together.
We wayfared
Sometimes we transported (particularly our last year, of finding ourselves on trains and trams together).
I would walk sometimes in my own bubble, he would catch up. He would go wander
wonder
We knew when to find each other.
I miss him
his sweet smell, his eyes always looking back
always saying something.
But yes,
For the past decade, Hugo and I walked together.
And I hadn’t put words to it.
I knew we negotiated navigations.
I knew I would resist to put him on a leash, even on busy roads.
I could see he trusted me to tell him when to stop and wait and keep on going, and hurry along.
I trusted him
I knew that our times where different
smells took a different importance
We were on the same walk, but different walks at one.
Is that called wayfaring?
Is that rhizomatic mapping?
Companion species
my friend
my best friend
I miss you.
For over a decade, You and I walked together.
A few months were tough.
We weren’t inhabiting the best of places, i needed for us to be on safer grounds.
We walked, we transported, we wandered, we wayfared,
You mapped new ways.
You joined old routes.
You cuddled up with old friends.
I had to go.
Re.route
Re.wonder.re.cuddle.
Re.calibrate
and then You had to go as well.
So much love, so many farewells, so many lives touched, so many friends.
And then
Back then
Pushers
Creeks
Lost balls in the river
Grab a stick
Pull it closer
Treasures
Primal findings
Encounters
Tails and snouts
Wings
For the past five years, you came with us to the playground.
You hated it.
You loved it
You were cold, and shaky and demanding.
You would look at me with those eyes.
Here’s your coat, your bed, your fluffy blankie
Let’s chase the sun.
Let’s monster chase.
You negotiated with me, his sister, you took care of him, you realised you weren’t the only one. The swings will always be there.
I admire that in you. Thank you.
For eleven years , four months and as many days, you and I shared lives together.
Sandra Flores 