A man died and went to heaven. As he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, he saw a huge wall of clocks behind him. He asked, "What are all those clocks?"
St. Peter answered, "Those are Lie Clocks. Everyone on Earth has a Lie clock. Every time you lie, the hands on your clock will move."
"Oh," said the man, "whose clock is that?"
"That's Mother Teresa's. The hands have never moved, indicating that she never told a lie."
"Incredible," said the man. "And whose clock is that one?"
St. Peter responded, "That's Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands have moved twice, telling us that Abe told only two lies in his entire life."
"Where's Hillary Clinton's clock?" asked the man.
"Hillary's clock is over there", St. Peter pointed, "We're using it as a ceiling fan."
"And over there is Bush's' clock, we are using it as a hedge trimmer."
Monday, June 04, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
A bit of levity
In the year 2007, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the
United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and
overpopulated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another
Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the
Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard
. . but no ark.
"Noah", He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark ?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah. "But things have changed. I needed a
building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for
a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the
neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding
the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for
a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be
posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead
obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the sea. I
argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing
of it.
Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local
trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the
environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go!
When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights
group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their
will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it
was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.
Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted
an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.
I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission
on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Also,
the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire
only Union workers with Ark building experience. To make matters worse,
the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country
illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to
finish this Ark. "
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow
stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean,
You're not going to destroy the world?".
"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it."
United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and
overpopulated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another
Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the
Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard
. . but no ark.
"Noah", He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark ?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah. "But things have changed. I needed a
building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for
a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the
neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding
the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for
a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be
posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead
obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the sea. I
argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing
of it.
Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local
trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the
environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go!
When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights
group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their
will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it
was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.
Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted
an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.
I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission
on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Also,
the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire
only Union workers with Ark building experience. To make matters worse,
the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country
illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to
finish this Ark. "
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow
stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean,
You're not going to destroy the world?".
"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it."
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Which Tarot card are you?
You are The High Priestess
Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.
The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.Find out which Tarot card you are.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Words
When you think about it, words can be very funny things. Depending on the context and intent of the user, they can mean different things.
Take the word, truth for example. The dictionary defines truth as:
Conformity to fact or actuality.
A statement proven to be or accepted as true.
Sincerity; integrity.
Fidelity to an original or standard.
Reality; actuality.
often Truth That which is considered to be the supreme reality and to have the ultimate meaning and value of existence.
Sometimes I find it amazing that people can convince themselves that they can bend, mold or ignore the meaning of words to suit a situation. Kind of the end justifying the means.
Sometimes I have words or the meaning of the word get stuck in my thoughts. I think of the person that has used a particular word recently, and I wonder just what their intended meaning really was. Words can be so powerful, hurtful, liberating, or deceptive.
Deceive is another very interesting word, ( deceive, to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid ) along with one of its synonyms, beguile.
Beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.
Occasionally we need to stop and look at the way we use words. At the very least think about the way that words are being used by others.
Take the word, truth for example. The dictionary defines truth as:
Conformity to fact or actuality.
A statement proven to be or accepted as true.
Sincerity; integrity.
Fidelity to an original or standard.
Reality; actuality.
often Truth That which is considered to be the supreme reality and to have the ultimate meaning and value of existence.
Sometimes I find it amazing that people can convince themselves that they can bend, mold or ignore the meaning of words to suit a situation. Kind of the end justifying the means.
Sometimes I have words or the meaning of the word get stuck in my thoughts. I think of the person that has used a particular word recently, and I wonder just what their intended meaning really was. Words can be so powerful, hurtful, liberating, or deceptive.
Deceive is another very interesting word, ( deceive, to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid ) along with one of its synonyms, beguile.
Beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.
Occasionally we need to stop and look at the way we use words. At the very least think about the way that words are being used by others.
Friday, March 02, 2007
The Insanity Continues
What do I see when I go to look at news today? More coverage of the dead blond bimbo.
Let to go.
Let to go.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Puppet Theatre
The talking heads on the so called news have latched onto more crap. Who really gives a crap about a dead blond druggie Marilyn Monroe wanna be? Other than her family?
Who really cares if another blond druggie wants to shave her head and get a tattoo?
This crap is news? Not by a long shot.
But the folks who pull the strings of the talking heads are focusing on this manure and presenting it like it really was news. What about the real things that are going on in this country and the rest of the world?
This is just a newer version of the old bait and switch. A person turns on the news expecting, well news. Instead they get a load of crap. The same sort of nonsense that is discussed in beauty shops, which is where it belongs.
Who really cares if another blond druggie wants to shave her head and get a tattoo?
This crap is news? Not by a long shot.
But the folks who pull the strings of the talking heads are focusing on this manure and presenting it like it really was news. What about the real things that are going on in this country and the rest of the world?
This is just a newer version of the old bait and switch. A person turns on the news expecting, well news. Instead they get a load of crap. The same sort of nonsense that is discussed in beauty shops, which is where it belongs.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Just a thought
For a while I thought about just abandoning this blog, but in retrospect I think that I will use this as a medium to post things that I feel do not belong on the blog I keep about our gulch.
Sometimes I just need to rant about things, and those just do not belong in my gulch blog.
So this will serve a different purpose , and probably a good one. It will help to keep me sane in an ever increasingly insane world.
Sometimes I just need to rant about things, and those just do not belong in my gulch blog.
So this will serve a different purpose , and probably a good one. It will help to keep me sane in an ever increasingly insane world.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Moving the blog
Since many people could no longer view my blog, I have moved it.
Road Kill Cafe now lives at: Road Kill Cafe
I will no longer be posting here at blogspot, but I will leave this up for a while.
Come see me in my new digs!
Road Kill Cafe now lives at: Road Kill Cafe
I will no longer be posting here at blogspot, but I will leave this up for a while.
Come see me in my new digs!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Birds
A mama bird built a nest on top of a post in the corner of our front porch. She laid her eggs and had a bumper crop of babies. They are getting big, almost crowding each other out of the nest.
I have a good view of the nest from our bedroom window. While the mama bird was fliying to and fro feeding her family, I counted six baby birds in that nest. How they manage not to knock each other out onto the porch floor below is a mystery. Much less how the mama bird manages to get in that nest with them at night.
It is intresting watching her fly to and fro trying to keep all those babies fed. It is just about all she does during the day.
I'll bet she will be glad when they are out on their own.
I have a good view of the nest from our bedroom window. While the mama bird was fliying to and fro feeding her family, I counted six baby birds in that nest. How they manage not to knock each other out onto the porch floor below is a mystery. Much less how the mama bird manages to get in that nest with them at night.
It is intresting watching her fly to and fro trying to keep all those babies fed. It is just about all she does during the day.
I'll bet she will be glad when they are out on their own.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Mothers Day
I will warn you that I tend to wax nostalgic about stuff like this. I have fond memories of my children and grandchildren. They are tucked away into a special place in my heart. It is a place with memories that are as fresh as when they were brand new.
I can recall some of my most treasured moments. The way it feels when a baby snuggles up and drifts off to sleep, the contentedness of time seeming to stop while nursing. The joys of milestones reached. The first time they roll over, crawl and those first steps.........chubby baby arms reaching up for you, bright eyes and gummy smiles.
Sometimes it is hard to believe that all those things exist now only as memories, it seems like yesterday that I had my babies safe around me, and now they all have babies of their own. And they live so far away, my tender mothers heart is really missing them.
This will be a Mothers day like no other, the first one away from all my children. But the memory hole is full. Clumsy drawings with uneven printing, homemade heartfelt cards, hugs and kisses that smell of peanutbutter. All safely tucked away to be treasured but brought out to be enjoyed again.
I can recall some of my most treasured moments. The way it feels when a baby snuggles up and drifts off to sleep, the contentedness of time seeming to stop while nursing. The joys of milestones reached. The first time they roll over, crawl and those first steps.........chubby baby arms reaching up for you, bright eyes and gummy smiles.
Sometimes it is hard to believe that all those things exist now only as memories, it seems like yesterday that I had my babies safe around me, and now they all have babies of their own. And they live so far away, my tender mothers heart is really missing them.
This will be a Mothers day like no other, the first one away from all my children. But the memory hole is full. Clumsy drawings with uneven printing, homemade heartfelt cards, hugs and kisses that smell of peanutbutter. All safely tucked away to be treasured but brought out to be enjoyed again.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
A Strange Thing
happened the other day when I was at Wal Mart. I had gone in to pick up a few things, the store was not overly busy, but I have a talent for finding the slowest check out. The line can be moving right along, I get into it and it slows down or stops completely.
So I was standing in my slow line, finally it was my turn to put my stuff up to be checked out. No hello, good afternoon, nothing......just a quick look at me and then my items, and the cashier began to scan my items. As I was waiting for the process to be over, I was putting the bags into the cart. The cashier gave me my total, I paid, then put a couple more bags in the cart. But I knew I had purchased more than what I had in the cart bagged up. So I went looking for the other bags. They were at the cashiers' feet, I looked at her strangely and asked for the rest of my bags. She said that those were left by another customer and I had all my purchases.
I know that I didn't have everything, and asked her again for the bags. She told me that if I didn't leave she would call a manager. I looked her square in the eye and said, go ahead and call a mamager, and the store manager had better be one of them. A mamager shortly showed up and asked what the problem was, the cashier repilede that I wouldn't leave. The manager asked me if there was a problem. I told her that I would be happy to leave if I could get the rest of the things I had paid for, and pointed to the bags at the cashiers feet. Then I requested the store manager again.
When he finally showed up, I handed him my recipt, and told him I didn't have all my purchases, once again pointing to the area around the cashiers feet. They began checking what I had in the cart against the recipt, and guess what? A lot of things were missing. So they moved on to the bags the cashier had put down by her feet. And there was the rest of my groceries.
I got profuse apologies from the management and the cashier was escorted to the back.
Are people getting so desperate that they are trying to steal in this fashion? It really makes me wonder.........
So I was standing in my slow line, finally it was my turn to put my stuff up to be checked out. No hello, good afternoon, nothing......just a quick look at me and then my items, and the cashier began to scan my items. As I was waiting for the process to be over, I was putting the bags into the cart. The cashier gave me my total, I paid, then put a couple more bags in the cart. But I knew I had purchased more than what I had in the cart bagged up. So I went looking for the other bags. They were at the cashiers' feet, I looked at her strangely and asked for the rest of my bags. She said that those were left by another customer and I had all my purchases.
I know that I didn't have everything, and asked her again for the bags. She told me that if I didn't leave she would call a manager. I looked her square in the eye and said, go ahead and call a mamager, and the store manager had better be one of them. A mamager shortly showed up and asked what the problem was, the cashier repilede that I wouldn't leave. The manager asked me if there was a problem. I told her that I would be happy to leave if I could get the rest of the things I had paid for, and pointed to the bags at the cashiers feet. Then I requested the store manager again.
When he finally showed up, I handed him my recipt, and told him I didn't have all my purchases, once again pointing to the area around the cashiers feet. They began checking what I had in the cart against the recipt, and guess what? A lot of things were missing. So they moved on to the bags the cashier had put down by her feet. And there was the rest of my groceries.
I got profuse apologies from the management and the cashier was escorted to the back.
Are people getting so desperate that they are trying to steal in this fashion? It really makes me wonder.........
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Derby Day
We spent most of the day yesterday watching the sights and races via a local TV channel (who was providing coverage and commentary). There were thousands of people at Churchill Downs on a bright and sunny Saturday for the Run for the Roses. One of the traditions of race day is to dress up in your finest, and that MUST include a hat. Especially for the ladies. This hat thing is truly a big deal. Most of the hats are custom made, either by the wearer or a hat shop. They were very intresting to watch, but the outfits are secondary to the hat.
Needless to say the horses were definately things of beauty. It was captivating to watch them in the races, stretching out in long strides. It was easy to see that the horses were eager to run.
Today is, so far, overcast and gray. Such a contrast to yesterday. However it does bring a mental image, somewhat fitting I suppose, for the empty grounds of the track. Yesterday there was sunshine, blue skies and crowds of happy people. Today gray skies and only the echoes of the revelry and competition............
Needless to say the horses were definately things of beauty. It was captivating to watch them in the races, stretching out in long strides. It was easy to see that the horses were eager to run.
Today is, so far, overcast and gray. Such a contrast to yesterday. However it does bring a mental image, somewhat fitting I suppose, for the empty grounds of the track. Yesterday there was sunshine, blue skies and crowds of happy people. Today gray skies and only the echoes of the revelry and competition............
Thursday, May 04, 2006
For Lewlew
In the garden we have planted
sweet corn
green beans
peas
lettuce
carrots
radishes
cucumbers
pickling cucumbers
green onions
yellow onions
cabbage
potatoes
sunflowers
pumpkins
dill
tomatoes
I also have a seperate herb garden that has basil, parsley, mints, oregano and cilantro.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that we have a good harvest and are able to preserve most of it for the winter.
sweet corn
green beans
peas
lettuce
carrots
radishes
cucumbers
pickling cucumbers
green onions
yellow onions
cabbage
potatoes
sunflowers
pumpkins
dill
tomatoes
I also have a seperate herb garden that has basil, parsley, mints, oregano and cilantro.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that we have a good harvest and are able to preserve most of it for the winter.
Monday, May 01, 2006
The Garden
On a warm and breezy afternoon I was communing with nature. Striving to be a part of the bird song, the buzzing of the bees, and the gentle babble of the creek. I was becoming part of it all, becoming one with the soil in the garden..........ok so I was actually becoming more of a dirt ball....but it sounded so much better the other way.
However, I am happy to report that the garden has been planted. So now I will keep my fingers crossed that we have a good result and pray it doesn't get eaten off by a bunch of rabbits or deer.
Shortly after the garden was finished it began to rain. Then we had showers off and on all day Sunday. Hopefully that will give the garden a jump start, now we could use some sunshine, but showers are in the forecast again today. But we might get some sunshine in between.
However, I am happy to report that the garden has been planted. So now I will keep my fingers crossed that we have a good result and pray it doesn't get eaten off by a bunch of rabbits or deer.
Shortly after the garden was finished it began to rain. Then we had showers off and on all day Sunday. Hopefully that will give the garden a jump start, now we could use some sunshine, but showers are in the forecast again today. But we might get some sunshine in between.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Wildlife
We have been watching with intrest and amusement a family of wild turkeys in the hayfield. There are five hens, a jake and a grand old man. We first saw them after we had the dogs inside all day because of the rain. As the hayfield gets higher, they get closer. The shorter grass near our house must make finding bugs easier. Yesterday they were just on the other side of the fence that surrounds our yard. They scatter and retreat for the woods with any sign of noise or movement from our yard, but seem curiously ambivilant to cars going by on the road.
There are precious few places where you could so easily observe wildthings just living their lives. I consider it just one of the blessings our gulch has bestowed upon us.
Last winter it was not unusual to look out first thing in the morning and see deer in that same hayfield, some came as close as the creek that runs behind our house.
Small things perhaps, but huge pleasures for us.
There are precious few places where you could so easily observe wildthings just living their lives. I consider it just one of the blessings our gulch has bestowed upon us.
Last winter it was not unusual to look out first thing in the morning and see deer in that same hayfield, some came as close as the creek that runs behind our house.
Small things perhaps, but huge pleasures for us.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Before and After
This is a view of the dining area, before.Can it get much darker? Note the sun is shining outside.
This is the working area, before.
Dining area, after.
Working area, after.
Jeff2 added under cabinet lighting!
April Showers
may bring May flowers, but it turns the garden plot to mud.
It rained off and on all day yesterday, so much for getting out and mowing the yard. It is supposed to rain again today. One of the good things though is that it adds water to the cistern, since this is our water supply, it is a very good thing. And our world is getting greener every day. The view just keeps getting better.
I spent part of the day yesterday watching wild turkeys in the hayfield. Since the dogs were in the house most of the day the turkeys ventured very close. They are entertaining to watch, and it is turkey season here, but all I saw were hens and it is not legal to take them in the spring.
It appears that the grass is growing by inches everyday, so when I am able to get out and mow I may need a haybaler............but at least we don't have to worry about drought conditions.
I guess that I will have to find some more indoor projects to keep myself busy and I am in the mood to bake. Unfortunately with just the two of us here, it is very easy to go into overload of freshly baked goods. Anyone want some fresh bread?
It rained off and on all day yesterday, so much for getting out and mowing the yard. It is supposed to rain again today. One of the good things though is that it adds water to the cistern, since this is our water supply, it is a very good thing. And our world is getting greener every day. The view just keeps getting better.
I spent part of the day yesterday watching wild turkeys in the hayfield. Since the dogs were in the house most of the day the turkeys ventured very close. They are entertaining to watch, and it is turkey season here, but all I saw were hens and it is not legal to take them in the spring.
It appears that the grass is growing by inches everyday, so when I am able to get out and mow I may need a haybaler............but at least we don't have to worry about drought conditions.
I guess that I will have to find some more indoor projects to keep myself busy and I am in the mood to bake. Unfortunately with just the two of us here, it is very easy to go into overload of freshly baked goods. Anyone want some fresh bread?
Thursday, April 20, 2006
A day at the gulch
Yesterday started with a fantastic thunderstorm. In the pre dawn with the sky just begining to lighten it was easy to see the black clouds rolling in. The flashes of lightning were piercingly brilliant and the thunder crashed and reverbrated back and forth between the hills that guard this valley. There was also some wind to go with the rain. What a show to go with my morning coffee!
The storm moved on as quickly as it blew in and before noon the sky was clear, the temperature rising into the upper 70's and we had a lovely breeze.
Unfortunately due to the morning rain, the garden didn't get turned, but we needed the rain so it was all good. We are just about ready to get the garden planted. Jeff2 has done a great job with getting it ready and I am looking forward to getting the seeds in the ground.
We also replaced the storm door on the front of the house with a screen door. It was lovely to have the breeze come in through it. It will be nice when the summer heat is here to have that large opening for the air to move through.
After we had finished installing the screen door the old timer that stops and chats with us stopped by. He always has intresting stories and infomation to pass along, and it is enjoyable to chat with him. He had had a tough Sunday. His four wheeel drive truck had quit on him, his horses had gotten out of their pasture and his dog had died. He spoke fondly of his old friend and had added that would not get another dog. He left with an invitation for us to stop by and see him. I don't think I even know this mans name, I am sure that he introduced himself to Jeff2, so I will have to ask him.
The grass has grown amazingly quickly, especially after yesterdays rain, so I will be out mowing later this morning. And so another day begins.
The storm moved on as quickly as it blew in and before noon the sky was clear, the temperature rising into the upper 70's and we had a lovely breeze.
Unfortunately due to the morning rain, the garden didn't get turned, but we needed the rain so it was all good. We are just about ready to get the garden planted. Jeff2 has done a great job with getting it ready and I am looking forward to getting the seeds in the ground.
We also replaced the storm door on the front of the house with a screen door. It was lovely to have the breeze come in through it. It will be nice when the summer heat is here to have that large opening for the air to move through.
After we had finished installing the screen door the old timer that stops and chats with us stopped by. He always has intresting stories and infomation to pass along, and it is enjoyable to chat with him. He had had a tough Sunday. His four wheeel drive truck had quit on him, his horses had gotten out of their pasture and his dog had died. He spoke fondly of his old friend and had added that would not get another dog. He left with an invitation for us to stop by and see him. I don't think I even know this mans name, I am sure that he introduced himself to Jeff2, so I will have to ask him.
The grass has grown amazingly quickly, especially after yesterdays rain, so I will be out mowing later this morning. And so another day begins.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Choices and Consequences
The young man lay dying. He knew this to be a fact, he knew he was mortally wounded.
An older man approached him, this surprised him as everyone he knew was either dead or dying, and this man was in perfect health.
"Who are you?" the young man asked.
"I am you." the older man answered simply.
"How can that be, I am dying......I won't live to be old."
The older man settled down beside the younger man, and made himself comfortable before replying.
"Because in a different life you made a different choice."
"You're crazy" the younger man replied "How can that be, I am right here, and I know that I am done for."
"See, what you don't understand is that you have had this choice before, and you chose differently." The older man appeared to be lost in remembering.
Then a great saddness came over him, an almost visible weight that made him appear even older.........
"Because in my lifetime, you chose to live. You decided that being alive was more important than being true to yourself. You decided that it was better to believe whatever you were told, instead of thinking for yourself." the old man replied.
"I don't believe you." the younger man answered "I wouldn't do that."
"You decided," the older man continued as if he hadn't heard, "that no matter what you had to do, you would live."
The older man was quiet for a moment and tears came into his eyes.
"You betrayed your friends, your morals and even your family. You turned a blind eye to what was really happening, as long as you could live. You watched as the world turned upside down, caring more for yourself than for anyone else. Your fear of being different, of being noticed, of what "they" could do to you was more important than finding out the truth. It was more important than acting on what you knew was right. It was more important than protecting your friends and your family. It was more important than taking responsibility for yourself. Of standing for something. "
The old man stopped for a moment. Wracked by sobs, he was having trouble speaking.
Finally he began again, "So you lived a long time. But you lived without your friends and your family. You were totally alone, but you were alive. It took a long time for you to realise that there is so much more to really living than just drawing breath. All of your life it was others who told you what to do, where to go and how to live. Finally, finally you realized that what you had bought when you sold out was existance, not life. As a result you became a slave, a certified numbered, poked and prodded piece of chattel."
The old man shifted his position, wiped his eyes and cleared his throat.
"Then you began to remember and to think. You remembered your family and your friends. You finally felt regret. You finally remembered that standing up is better than being led. That being alive doesn't mean a damn thing if you sell out. "
The old man shifted his position again so he could look the younger man in the eye.
"You finally remembered that you had a choice, that your life didn't have to be an empty and meaningless series of days and routines. So you went back to that moment when you made that choice to sell out, to save yourself. You and your friends decided that to sacrifice yourselves to save your families was the only moral and meaningful decision. So, here I am............ here I am again, but with a different choice. In my lifetime all this was swept under the carpet, because I sold everyone out, and no one knew what happened here."
The old man shook his head and pointed, "Look around you; you and your friends gave your lives to save others, to save your families. This time this will not go unnoticed, things will begin to change, because with your sacrifice you gave people hope. They will see that change is possible, and necessary. Oh, not all of them, but enough."
"So what are you going to do?" the younger man asked.
Quietly the older man answered, " Do what I should have done instead of being a selfish coward. I will die here with you."
An older man approached him, this surprised him as everyone he knew was either dead or dying, and this man was in perfect health.
"Who are you?" the young man asked.
"I am you." the older man answered simply.
"How can that be, I am dying......I won't live to be old."
The older man settled down beside the younger man, and made himself comfortable before replying.
"Because in a different life you made a different choice."
"You're crazy" the younger man replied "How can that be, I am right here, and I know that I am done for."
"See, what you don't understand is that you have had this choice before, and you chose differently." The older man appeared to be lost in remembering.
Then a great saddness came over him, an almost visible weight that made him appear even older.........
"Because in my lifetime, you chose to live. You decided that being alive was more important than being true to yourself. You decided that it was better to believe whatever you were told, instead of thinking for yourself." the old man replied.
"I don't believe you." the younger man answered "I wouldn't do that."
"You decided," the older man continued as if he hadn't heard, "that no matter what you had to do, you would live."
The older man was quiet for a moment and tears came into his eyes.
"You betrayed your friends, your morals and even your family. You turned a blind eye to what was really happening, as long as you could live. You watched as the world turned upside down, caring more for yourself than for anyone else. Your fear of being different, of being noticed, of what "they" could do to you was more important than finding out the truth. It was more important than acting on what you knew was right. It was more important than protecting your friends and your family. It was more important than taking responsibility for yourself. Of standing for something. "
The old man stopped for a moment. Wracked by sobs, he was having trouble speaking.
Finally he began again, "So you lived a long time. But you lived without your friends and your family. You were totally alone, but you were alive. It took a long time for you to realise that there is so much more to really living than just drawing breath. All of your life it was others who told you what to do, where to go and how to live. Finally, finally you realized that what you had bought when you sold out was existance, not life. As a result you became a slave, a certified numbered, poked and prodded piece of chattel."
The old man shifted his position, wiped his eyes and cleared his throat.
"Then you began to remember and to think. You remembered your family and your friends. You finally felt regret. You finally remembered that standing up is better than being led. That being alive doesn't mean a damn thing if you sell out. "
The old man shifted his position again so he could look the younger man in the eye.
"You finally remembered that you had a choice, that your life didn't have to be an empty and meaningless series of days and routines. So you went back to that moment when you made that choice to sell out, to save yourself. You and your friends decided that to sacrifice yourselves to save your families was the only moral and meaningful decision. So, here I am............ here I am again, but with a different choice. In my lifetime all this was swept under the carpet, because I sold everyone out, and no one knew what happened here."
The old man shook his head and pointed, "Look around you; you and your friends gave your lives to save others, to save your families. This time this will not go unnoticed, things will begin to change, because with your sacrifice you gave people hope. They will see that change is possible, and necessary. Oh, not all of them, but enough."
"So what are you going to do?" the younger man asked.
Quietly the older man answered, " Do what I should have done instead of being a selfish coward. I will die here with you."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)