Better far to live and die...

"Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." – H.L. Mencken (1880-1956)

And to that I say, “Yo-Ho.”

The Peaceful Warrior

For as long as I can remember, my bedroom in every house I’ve lived in as been arranged in very much the same manner. The placement of my bed chiefly has always been the same: in a corner.

Along my headboard and along the side of the bed against the wall I keep a large number of pillows. I always have, even in college. I sleep on top of a feather mattress, beneath one sheet and a feather comforter. The color; white. My bed is the most comfortable place I have ever been. Ever.

I sleep with my head resting atop two feather pillows. I start out on my left side with a pillow between my legs, a pillow in my arms, and a pillow behind my back. I tuck myself in so tightly in that I cannot move. I close my eyes and pretend. I pretend that the pillows around me are the arms, legs, and chest of someone...anyone. Behind these eyes, and in these pillows, I find the comfort to fall to sleep each night. In all truthfulness, I love to hold and to be held.

I often find that I am trying to will myself into a certain dreaming scenario. I will picture a person, think of an event, or try to recall circumstances that I wish to return to in my dreams. After all, it was Carl Sandburg who said, “Nothing happens unless first we dream.”

My new dream? To become a Warrior.