August Wilson‘s “Two Trains Running” was in town for one night at the Diana Wortham theater in downtown Asheville. It was a spectacular performance from The Acting Company. August Wilson is a phenomenal writer. His plays make you think, and then think some more.

Maybe a spoiler? Read on…

When I think about the inevitable closing of the diner, I think about the death of the community. Hambone has passed. Rest in peace. But what will become of Holloway? Of Sterling? Of West? Of Risa? Of Memphis? Of Wolf? Is this the end of their connection? Will they have an opportunity to connect through another means? Will they want to? Was the diner the foundation of their connection? Can their connection survive outside of it?

I think about our current day connections. Those formed by common interests (jobs, sports, community events, memberships), those formed by geography, those formed by ideals and goals. I think about people who I hold dearly in my heart who are no longer part of my day to day (or even year to year) life. The lack of contact does not mean I value our connection any less. Or that I wouldn’t be delighted if the opportunity arose to connect again.

It’s a reminder of annica, or impermanence. To treasure the now, and know that things are constantly changing, and accept that truth without judgment.