Perhaps I’ll say it once more, just for fun:

I did it!

I sang ten songs on the Langemunt, one of Gent’s shopping streets.  After winding down with a coffee, I had a bus to catch – a 40-minute ride to get my hair cut.

As I watched the passing scenery, I felt myself loosen, even on the edge of collapse.  The body was saying “That’s enough for now, big guy.”

My hair was really long, and my hair stylist is very popular, so it felt irrational to skip the bus and head back to bed.  So a-bussing I would go.

I got off in the nearby community of Evergem, with a 15-minute walk ahead of me.  Make that a stumble.  I had given a lot.  There wasn’t much left.

And then it happened:

I pooped my pants

(Sigh)

I won’t go into detail but I’m sure you can imagine.

It was a liquid and smelly journey to the hair salon.  As I walked in, I told Joyce the truth.  She gave me a towel to sit on.  I thought it would help to wash my hands in the bathroom but further hygiene adjustments would have to wait for home.

The thrill of my singing was fresh … along with something else.

Forty-five minutes later, I was a new man, as far as the top of my head was concerned.  Another walk led to another bus ride, full of human beings.  Each had a nose.  (Sigh again)

After a thorough clean-up at home, I contemplated the rest of my day.  I had agreed to sing at an open mic session in the evening but I felt like playing the “tired” card.  They’ll do fine without me.

But something propelled me to go.  Our usual venue was closed for construction.  Our alternate site was the terrace of a café.  When I arrived, there were at least 100 people enjoying the evening breeze, crowding around lots of tables.

About ten of us sat at a round table for the performing – drama, poetry and singing.  The background conversations were loud!

My body said “Don’t sing” but some other part of me stood up.  I sang two of the songs I’d sung on the Langemunt – about humanity’s future, and about a lost love.

I sang them with gusto, and with a high volume, despite our table being surrounded by others.  Was I insensitive to the needs of other human beings?  Yes.  But it sure felt good!

***

So … it was a day!

Up.  Down.  Up

And soon thereafter my happy head faded away on the pillow