Rebirth

Weighted with worry, I plunge into cold waters
And strain my muscles to pull through.
Back, side, and front.  Back and forth, back and forth.
Their faces haunt me from the depths, threatening to pull me under
Until at last my pain drowns them while preserving me.
Afterwards, steam carries sweat down my naked body,
Washing me clean, rendering me new to the world again.
Ready to fight. Ready to live.   

Downloading A Gun On A 3D Printer

Represents something glorious and unstoppable: the democratization of power. No longer is democracy an empty slogan to lull the masses into supporting Establishment Candidate 1 or Establishment Candidate 2. The spread of technology has enabled us to learn, to communicate, and now to act without need for establishment proxies. We are cutting out the middlemen. Surely they will not go gentle into that good night; their increasingly tyrannical behavior reeks of desperation. But do not misunderstand me -- I am not advocating the use of a gun for anything other than recreation or self-defense. I am simply observing that a world where the state is losing its monopoly on violence is sure to be a better one, for only when that monopoly is assured do we witness the rampant thievery, injustice, and bloodshed that the state is uniquely capable of.

On Being Anti-Social

The epithet "anti-social" has been flung at me from time to time because I am, admittedly, an introvert who needs time alone to delve the universe before I can interact with this tiny corner of it. But I deny that the epithet fits me in any way, shape, or form.

I say "please" and "thank you." I treat people with respect, unless they attack me or otherwise show themselves unworthy of it. I mind my own business and don't pry into other people's affairs or spread gossip. If I make a promise, I keep it no matter the discomfort or displeasure it causes. If someone bests me or generally excels, I offer congratulations; I don't seethe with envy or try to cut the person down to size. I don't curse in mixed company or in front of children. I don't resent people whose lives are more prosperous or enjoyable than mine, nor do I demand that they pay for my mistakes or take on my problems. I say what I mean, and I do what I say. I tip waitstaff well. I'm a considerate driver: I don't linger in the passing lane; I don't tailgate; I use my turn signal; and I use my horn only to warn, not to scorn. If I go to church, I dress in an appropriate and respectful manner. I have never stood up a date. I have never hit a woman and never will. And I don't jettison friends simply because I disagree with their politics.

Society is coming apart at the seams, but it is not because of people like me.          

The Magic Of Music

No trenchant criticism this evening. I've been writing my new book, and after an initial speed bump the words are flowing freely now. It makes no difference whether this book goes nowhere as my others have; it represents a part of me that will remain after I'm gone. Though I once dreamt of having children, I have come to grips with the fact that's not going to happen, so writing is all I have left.

In the meantime, I found this beautiful stretch of music from the Dances With Wolves soundtrack, and I wanted to share it because whatever you might think of the film itself, the music captures the human spirit in merely eight minutes. Hope, progress, danger, tragedy, love, and peace are all found here -- with no lyrics to cheapen them. Enjoy.

No Hate For The Ex

A buddy of mine asked me today whether I hate my ex-wife for betraying and abandoning me, and I didn't hesitate for a moment in giving the answer: no. She is the woman I fell in love with and married; I don't have it in me to hate her, no matter the things she's done and said. All I feel for her is sadness. Like so many people today, she has no moral core and no sense of self, which is why she fell into a dark world that supplies her the identity she lacked. My wedding day was the happiest day of my life, and nobody can take that away from me. I consider myself a widower. Perhaps one day I'll see her ghost, but the woman I married is dead. We mourn the dead, but we must move on with life.