i admit it, i am skipping work today so i can listen to the mariners game on the radio. it is opening day. today should be a holiday, everyone should get today off work. here in seattle, today has special meaning. it is the official reemergence of our very own hero, ichiro suzuki. between now and october, we get to bask in his brilliant shadow, shielding our eyes from the glowing nimbus surrounding his white uniform as he takes his spot in right field. Our minds gravitate towards him, his black bat held upright in front of him as he stands in the batters box. Before every pitch we smile with giddy anticipation as he tugs at the sleeve on his right shoulder. We sit with our eyes held wide open and unblinking, afraid we will miss everything if we look away even for a moment. traffic stops. work is ignored. a million people collectively hold their breath. 3.1 seconds later, he is standing on first base. the feeling of awe is so widespread, it is palpable. there is a pause, a moment of shock, then the entire city erupts, united by the one thing everyone can agree on: Ichiro is the most incredible thing i have ever seen. we are lucky he plays in our city. he makes seattle a better place to be. today, life seems a little brighter, a little more inspired. opening day is finally here :)

frivved up by Ben at 9:53 AM