"Karma is unfathomable," I inform her.

It's late and the conversation turns heavy.

"Seems simple to me," my girlfriend responds. "If I murder you, then it stands to reason that I will be murdered in this or another life to balance the ledger."

"Not necessarily so," I'm quick to rejoin. "What if you murdered me in this life because I murdered you in a prior life? Karmic debts and dues are now equalized."

"But what if I get caught and go to jail for life. Where's the equal payback in that?"

"As I said, Karma is unfathomable."

We continue the discussion, adding "reincarnation" to the mix and wondering if there is such a thing as "group karma." Finally, at daybreak, we fall asleep.

cattle cars . . .
between the slats
human eyes