Liam Barr

We like to see the whole way before we set off.
So we plan.
We read up. We ask around. We draw the map again.

The map gets better every time.
We're still standing in the same spot.

The path we want isn't on the map yet.
It doesn't exist until we walk it.
Each footstep lays down a little more.

The only way there is the next step.
Nothing more.

We all like walking into a warm room.
We rarely ask why it's warm.

It isn't the heater or the lighting.
It isn't the couch.

It's what the people in it carried through the door.
You can feel it before anyone speaks.
Someone looks up when you arrive.
Smiles to greet you.

Your energy affects the temperature too.
What are you bringing in?

Someone serves you something sharp.
It stings more than it should.

And there's a good return ready.
Quick and a bit sharper than theirs.

But one serve is just one serve.
Nothing else happens until someone hits it back.

Return it and the next one comes faster.
Now you're both playing the game.

Letting them score might feel like losing.
Hitting back proves them right.