To All The Girls I've Loved Before

A person can only pick up and move so many times in so many years. Otherwise, the relationships that they've formed over the years fade away into oblivion. Sometimes that's a good thing. Sometimes - not so much. For if our memories, our relationships, all the things that make us who we are keep getting left behind like the smoldering ashes of a nomad's camp fire, then where do we belong? Everywhere? Nowhere?

When I first moved to the DC area in the summer of 2002, I had yet to really come out of my shell. I was, to a certain degree, socially inept; not really good at meeting people or opening myself up. The fact that I was fairly isolated didn't help, either. I lived alone, in a small efficiency, on the top floor of a high-rise, on the outskirts of Alexandria, VA - the section known as Landmark. I was right next to a shopping mall, a couple of strip malls, and the interstate. Not a whole lot going on. Not much of a social scene. That was the first time around.

The second time around, in 2005, it was a whole new ballgame. I lived in Adams Morgan - DC's answer to the French Quarter. One long strip of bars, clubs, restaurants, etc. Anything and everything I wanted was right within walking distance. Unlike my living situation in Landmark, this environment would make it difficult for any person to remain introverted or isolated. The area provided me ample opportunity to meet women - and in the oddest of places. The local reggae bar, the Diner, the metro, in various restaurants, and on any given sidewalk while out for an evening stroll.

Now, looking forward to life in a rural, small town, I feel a spot of "Footloose Syndrome" coming on. A guy from the big city, lacking only the leather tie and the David Bowie spiked hair. What relationship(s) if any may await me, I haven't a clue. Perhaps it'll all start with a cliche' glance across a dim room from the farmer's daughter, as the bad strikes up "The Tennessee Waltz." Maybe I'll be totally alone. Time will tell.

But before that happens, I'd like to state for posterity that the past few years have introduced me to some pretty amazing women. They all know who they are. Our time has been filled with poetry, music, theatre, long walks, riverside picnics, slow dances, hard laughter, warm smiles, and soft kisses. Despite the fact that I'll be moving forward with life and taking advantage of a great opportunity, it saddens me to know that I'll be leaving the source of such happiness behind. (Or will I?) These times have been the key that unlocked my soul's cage door.

There are always song lyrics that are well-suited to my thoughts. They are comparable, if not inspirational. Perhaps I'll do it for every post. This time, I'll borrow a couple of verses from Willie Nelson:

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To all the girls I've loved before

Who travelled in and out my door

I'm glad they came along

I dedicate this song

To all the girls I've loved before

-

To all the girls I once caressed

And may I say I've held the best

For helping me to grow

I owe a lot I know

To all the girls I've loved before

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The winds of change are always blowing

And every time I try to stay

The winds of change continue blowing

And they just carry me away

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