Phantom

 

PHANTOM QUEEN

Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.

Lao Tzu

 

Almost a ghost, I linger near the junction of Commercial Drive and East Fourth. Wrapping myself in shades of black and gray, I melt into the edges of perception, becoming one with the mists and shadow and watch the scene unfold. Pay no mind to the water, I tell myself. Your orthotics will survive, and your support hose will dry. No need to cry over wet ankles. Everyone knows, no matter the season, that Vancouver is fickle. If you aren’t prepared to carry an umbrella then you are a fool or a tourist.

Balancing my serpent-headed umbrella on my shoulder I squint through the thickening sheet of water. A street corner prophet stands, seemingly oblivious of the rain, stands with palms uplifted. Even without a microphone his voice booms. “Luke 13: ‘But unless you repent, you too will all perish.’ Whether it’s fire, or flood, or disease, or gunshot you will die if you don’t change your ways. Repent your love of things. Give up your lies. Tear down your false idols.” Fired by passion, he strafes the few passersby with his words. “I was a sinner once. I lied. I cheated. I sold drugs to my friends, and slept with whores. I was like you, then I found God, and knew that I was doomed to burn in the fires of Satan’s pit unless I changed my ways.”