Cassette Tapes

photo by dubassy on flickr

I was driving along the side of the road the other day in rural, northern Ontario.

I saw a familiar sight but upon its discovery, I realized just how long it's been since I've come across said sight.

It was an endless stream of cassette tape, set free from its plastic encasement. Grabbed by nature's thorny twigs and roadside weeds, this ribbon waved to me as I drove past, glistening in the sunshine.

It seemed to enjoy its unburdened, new form...unreeled from the little circles of teeth that once allowed it to have a continuous voice in someone's retro player.

I wonder how it got there? I wonder whose vocals were engrained on its surface? I'm thinking Neil Diamond. How do I know? I just have a feeling. I'm just  'hooked on it'.

The last time I saw reckless streams of tape enjoying the outdoors was probably in the eighties or early nineties as we abandoned this technology (which is coming back, by the way).

I know it's litter. And that it's wrong. But you know what? I liked it. I felt like I was driving by an old friend as he waved me on my way. Goodbye old friend.