Speak

Sitting there.

As hollow as it all seemed, it was like this.

As unbelievable as it all was, as surreal as it all was,

She was still sitting there.

She extended her arm across the table.

Her hand rested on the hand of Opposition.

‘‘Having your support is always appreciated and I am very grateful for it!

I am aware of your concerns about my lack of degree 

But, I also think that there are people who spend so much time and money in university and still can't get a 'proper' job. We have sort of entered the era where we battle machines for jobs, and not just that, but battle the population of the earth.

There are simply not enough  jobs!

I feel that I would rather be bitter about me not getting a job due to the lack of a degree 

Than having a degree and an even bigger student loan and then still not getting a job.

And if I did get a job with a university degree, who is to say I would be happy in it in any case?

Life is a journey. It is all about turning corners, being inspired.

We are organic beings; we are not linear as our system currently think we are.

I don't think it any longer plausible, in our age of inspiration, efficient communication and travelling, to 'settle down' in one job after your degree.

I no longer think it plausible for us to shut off our instincts to satisfy the criteria of our society (and the products of it) to plod, unhappily down a path where we always feel we haven't attained enough

Where we are always empty

Where we are always seeking

Feeling guilty

Feeling like we are not enough....

Why can't we be what our instincts call on us to be?

Maybe then we would be less frustrated, and everybody would be sincere and happier in their efforts?

Maybe we would exploit less....?

I totally agree with you that we are losing sight of what really matters in life to us

We are losing sight of how we should be here for the community/fellow human beings rather than our own egotistical goals

And we are losing sight of how ancient this earth is and how much impact we have had on it in such a small time frame....

I no longer believe in the construct of money; money seems to breed individualism and anthropocentrism.

We can no longer strive on that model; it needs to be about helping each other and, ideally, communal subsistent living!

There are alternative systems that one can be a part of that don't need money

That are simply based on trading skills

Growing all your own food 

And living a simple, un-materialistic life.

It can be done.

I know people who are a part of such communities

Where it is more fulfilling

More beautiful

And leaving as little impact on earth as humanly possible.

Basically inspiration can be gained from villages all around the world

Tribals have rituals that we may ethically disagree with

But their way of living is still incredible and most sustainable

After all they have been doing it for thousands of years.

It is food for thought.

It excites me to think of what can be done.

It excites me to think I could be a part of this incredible system soon.....’’

There was silence.

She retracted her hand,

She felt sweaty, a little confused at all the conclusions she had just made while talking;

Overwhelmed that there actually was an answer within reach.

Silence.

The chattering of people behind them became obvious.

There was a girl accusing the other of not being honest enough.

There was another woman who spoke in an unknown language to an awkward male.

And there were birds.

The birds squabbled over bits of food.

Chasing in unimagined circles with their feathers ruffled, and wings slightly opened.

It was all about survival.

The last bit of food was their’s

Or maybe not?

Where was their real food?

Fingers started drumming the table.

Her attention returned to Opposition.

“ But what if it doesn’t work out? What if you can’t find work? What if you have to go back and live with Mum and Dad? How would they like it? Have you even talked to them?”

She slowly slipped her shoes off under the table

Rubbing her feet together

She felt the warm dampness of the sun baked mossy bricks.

Her shoulders relaxed and she lifted her head up

“Mum and Dad know. I told them.

This is exactly what I am trying to say.

It no longer matters to me whether I have a job or not.

Money no longer matters.

I can always go wwof somewhere and get free board.

And get experience.”

“ I don’t understand. What about all your ambitions? You used to be so ambitious; you used to want a PhD. What happened to you?”

It came through in a threatened tone.

“I am still ambitious.

Just for different causes.

You know what

I don’t want this conversation anymore.

I understand your concern

But, I don’t think you trust the world enough

I think your ideas are too rooted

And you will let nothing uproot them.

Uprooting is good.

It may feel strange.

Weird

And, scary.

But, the unknown is good.

We should be discovering facets of life

Not through textbooks

But, through our own physical experiences.

I feel good. My instincts tell me I am okay.

I want to listen to the universe for once.”

“ Humph.

Typical you.

Always doing such things

I can’t be bothered anymore either”.

She pushed out her chair

Blindly found her shoes with her feet

And rolled into them.

She picked up her bag

Glanced quickly at Opposition.

She leant over to embrace him.

They smiled.

The birds twittered, and everything was left un-turned.