The Evil Sidewalk

Why do we look back at the thing we just tripped over, both literally and symbolically in life? Is it some kind of reality check? Do we do it to make sure the object is there to certify we stumbled over some thing and not just our own clumsiness, stupidity or wrong actions? Whether it’s a broken sidewalk or a broken love affair, we almost always look back– often more than once — eager to blame anything but me.

Jonathan Carroll is the author of over 20 novels and short story collections. His latest novel “Bathing the Lion” is now available in trade paperback. If you liked this piece, there’s lots more on his monthly newsletter. You can subscribe here