Kalin Rouichev: Handful of Words

Once, when I was a child, the heavy air and weary silence were the emulation of happiness in the late summer afternoon.

Once, when I was a child, the world had its own scent, ruled by its shifting moods from morning till night. My nose behaved just like a dog's.

Once, when I was a child, we raced turtles under the old willow tree.

Once, when I was a child, we played hockey without skates, using wooden sticks and a tennis ball. I was a lefty.

Once, when I was a child, I was so happy that it warms me to this day.

Kalin Rouichev