Walk Don't Walk

Some folks count when they walk – “One, two, three, four; one, two, three, four.” Others walk more haphazardly, as if deep in thought about something kinda important. Some, do both.

My dad was a military man, I am proud of his service. When he was out of the Navy and had his family he used many quips that he brought back from his military days. He would lob them at us (his three sons) with the nonstrictest discipline– on his days off we boys would be lying in bed in the morning and suddenly hear this booming –

“Hey there all you good strong men, Uncle Sam’s gonna do it again, got himself in a terrible jam, way down yonder in Vietnam.” 

– which pretty much meant he was in a good mood and was ready for us to get up and go on some sort of excursion with him perhaps to run some errands, which often involved getting donuts at the local donut shop.

With three boys he would also have us “march” when he needed us to get going – as in calling us to order, directing us in some direction, attempting to herd cats. He would have us line up and call “hup, two, three, four; hup, two, three, four…” and it would work, we would start marching… though haphazardly to the beat of his call. Fond memories for me, thanks for that Vietnam War.

Others walk a bit more haphazardly – perhaps not in a straight line even, not drunk by any means, but not walking the line at strictest attention. Is lackadaisical the word? Maybe.

Order doesn't seem to be their most important goal or outcome. In fact as they walk on, allowing their mind to seemingly wander off to some other place - it seems they are thinking up ways - methods - means to circumvent order, or maybe even new rules for Robert. Getting to the destination, just doesn't seem to be their most immediate purpose.

Of course there are drivers like this as well.