LITTLE PETRA, BACK DOOR, JORDAN
We made rules for AIJ_v2. No psychoactive medicines; no speaking while eating and no romance when we’re working. Laughing, as if romance is responsive to legislation.
We crossed the Red Sea into Jordan on Christmas Eve and joined our Jordanian-Palestinian friend Saeed plus another player. Let’s call him Archetype, which one TBD.
We arrived at a camp at the rocks in Wadi Rum after dark and gathered around the fire for tea and games. The kind initiated by the guides and the ones inside my brain. The Archetype asked how I feel. Like I bought myself a present a while ago but can’t remember what it is. ‘Do you think we’ll uncover it together?’ He asked; or really, engaged. I was surprised. I realized I didn’t arrive without expectation. I had unconsciously anticipated I would be ignored. I said maybe the present unwraps at the intersection of his intention: if what he thinks he wants IS what he wants.
In the morning I walked through the desert, retracing my sand-steps; feeling my previous body lingering in the haze. Saeed challenged me to climb; offering his limbs and sense of humor as a stable meter. I worried if we would be able to find a path back down. He said don’t focus on the cliff just the ‘first 5%, habibti.’ The Archetype said Saaed told him I am a poet, I write stories. Yes but I like to change the endings.
We moved to Little Petra; where Moses struck a rock and water poured out. It was a deluge, like the annual 600mm of rain came in just this one day. We took refuge inside a cave and sang; attracting a small Polish audience of three. We decided to cut out early as the roads were generating waves and snowfall was predicted that evening. I hugged The Archetype goodbye; something felt unfinished but also not possible to finish. I sent him a poem just to see.
He responded he was curious about the glitch I observed and would like to continue ‘hopefully’ that evening. Evening came but no message. I could feel the pressure but made one more move. I needed to be clear, was the static him or me. I know I animated him but that’s a different beast. Then: the truth. ‘I just had an intense interaction with an ex partner and realized I would be best served spending time alone. I’m sorry to miss out on our connection.’
I replied: I guess this is the glitch.
‘I see what you mean 🖤’