The Shut Down

the double edged sword flailed by all whenever a social connection is begun revealing its apical paradox like a mangy rabid dog who will also cuddle on a saturday afternoon next to your leg (almost purring like a cat) while you read your favorite book in peace--- the very fact that when two people meet all cards are off the table & yet because this new conversation is taking place amidst the billion that encircle, the naïve can be pulled into a fantasy that this is not so--- however, the fact remains that this person across the café table or sitting on that bar stool next to you holds within them a trunk full of experiences--- some that would make anyone jealous rife with riveting moments & some that would terrify even the most indomitably fearless among us. and even if you make it across the moat the wall round the innermost parts of this new person may be unclimbable, they may be slick with oil & there may be buckets of scalding water, hot pitch, the fat of animals & quick lime all positioned along the uppermost part of the wall ready to be dropped on the face of anyone attempting to get inside. unfortunately, for the naïve who think that everyone should be open to new social connections, new friendships, new relationships & new lovers, a rude awakening awaits when one comes face to face with someone who is shut down.