!Overlay world
 --- 
agk's diary 
5 June 2026 @ 04:24 UTC
 --- 
written on GPD MicroPC in my rocking chair
after a late shift at the hospital
 --- 
Sometimes I see the world as it is and a clear
overlay world. Especially when I'm tired, like
driving many miles home from work tonight.

The 30-year-old thicket of woods is also the
WalMart that will be there next year (breaking my
heart, but the old WalMart's foundation was poured
wrong) and the primeval oak and chestnut forest
the founder of my church rode through 180 years
ago.

Somehow it will return, with its elk, bison, and
porcupines.

The hospital is as it is and as it was in 2019 and
2020 in COVID-19's worst days. It's also as it was
in 1987 when David got sober there and the
cafeteria hosted 50-person AA meetings.

The science building, built in the 1920s and torn
down a few years ago is as it was in 1950, as it
was when I knew it, and also gone, replaced.

The intersection where two friends of mine died
some years ago is overlaid with their sedan and 
bodies, and the pickup truck as all was that day,
and also empty save for me zipping through it on my
way home.

The traintracks are still busy, and still carry
mail and passengers. The interstate has been half-
abandoned, partly given over to pedestrians and 
e-bikes. The abandoned factory's parking lot is 
still full of 1980s cars and the aroma of the
rubber seals it made.

Memories, stories I've read, hopes, prayers, all
stack, clearly distinguishable but all there, 
on nights like this.