Today, outside of the house, my father's old truck is parked. It's a dark forest green Toyota pick-up truck. The tool racks and cabinets that he installed are still there. The fiberglass covered piece of wood that he placed in the bottom of the truck bed has deteriorated yet remains. This used to be my dad's work truck. He was a gardener and a landscape contractor in Santa Cruz, CA. After he died, the truck was sold to the parents of my dear friend Mark. It has been with them in Fresno,CA for seven years, give or take a few months. Two days ago Mark drove the truck from Fresno up to Portland,OR as he is borrowing it to move. He parked it in front of the house I now live in and graciously handed me the key so that I might drive it for a few days.
I look at this truck.
....I think of the many miles of road this truck has felt beneath its tires. I think of the dirt that encases it. Could there still be soil from Santa Cruz? From home? Just a small nugget clinging like an obstinate barnacle to the front license plate? It doesn't rain too often in Fresno so...hmmmm anythings possible right.
Is it true that I smell just a hint of fertilizer still wrapped in between the fibers of the seat covers...
...I think of the people that have driven this truck. What have their eyes seen? Did they listen to the radio or did they choose to listen in silence? Have there been tears shed in this truck? Have children played in this truck? How many beverages have been spilled in this truck? I try and look for traces.
...I think to myself, to my dad, " Hey, your car has had so many adventures since you've gone!" Then I think,.."that was a dumb thing to think....."
...I sat in the car today, in the drivers seat, and I thought of all that is silently shared between us and all that remains unknown or unspoken.
To my questions that will remain unanswered, I say,"I know."
There are little bits of dirt that have accumulated in the truck bed.In this dirt, miniature clumps of emerald green plant life has made a home for itself. I wonder if my father would like this..but then it occurs to me... little bunches of earth and plants in the bed of a gardener's truck!! It's so beautiful to me that I have to laugh.
