And Now, a Dictionary Entry: Artifacts...

some come and some go
leaving the memory fresh
like a piece of fruit

Rarely do we have time to stop and think about our relationships in tangible means. I'm sure you all have some random item laying around your house that never belonged to you until you ran into it's original owner. The concept that I would like to discuss today is that of artifacts. Artifacts are things that you possess that were obtained from another person, whether willingly or unwillingly, that tell a tale of the past.

Some people will keep the underwear of a conquest as a trophy, while others might take something else. The place that artifacts occupy in day to day life is one of interest and usually shrouded in mystery. I had an ex-girlfriend, Heff, who was tragically killed in a bus accident. She often talked of artifacts, however she equated artifacts to children. Her rationale was this, "Just because you divorce the father doesn't mean you get rid of the children." She had problems, I know, but that's an entirely different story.

While the concept is similar, artifacts can be obtained outside of a concrete relationship. Be it from a sexual connection or simply a friendship, the accumulation of artifacts is something that continues as time passes. In some cases, artifacts are on temporary loan, with the original owner expecting to get it back after a period of time. Ask Principio, he's still waiting for his hoodie. We all know better.

Think of artifacts more as an enjoyable after-effect; a tangible memory from a good experience, rather than thieving antics designed to bring about anarchy.

After all... a baseball cap is only as cute as the Chulo who wears it!