Occupant or Current Resident

 

They have grown old together.  He and his dog, Peanut, each walking much slower.  No longer snapping at the postman for arriving late or for smelling like a postman smells, they simply make their slow, deliberate steps to the mailbox and then walk slowly back up to the house. 

With their adventures behind them, they seem to be just passing time, no excitement in their lives, only the jabbering television in the background and the possibility of mealtimes fills their day.

My desire is to turn back the clock, to give them, once again, the spring in their step and the spark of youth.  I wish to not see down the road, for I expect when Peanut passes - the leash will pull my neighbor along as well, for they have always somehow been connected.

New neighbors will move in, make changes and awkwardly fill the void.  We are all simply bookmarks in our own lives.  Some of us fancy, others plain, but none-the-less, place holders within the community.  We pass through, leaving our imprints upon some, while going unnoticed by others.  It is a process, sporadic in selection as to who is to move on and who gets stay a bit longer.

I'm wondering now, if maybe it is the postman who is doing the choosing.  They are the only player on the gameboard moving around to every spot.  They see all the players, are familiar with what's coming and going and whether it's good news or bad, they are the carriers.