what do you see?
This evening I was in a ‘dime store’ to buy some semi-disposable
leftover containers and noticed the alcohol section:
A display of gallons of Gallo to be precise. Then bottles of better
wine, liquors, liqueurs, cheap and decent qualities.
I didn’t drool. Not that I ever really do at the sight of booze.
But this time the first thought that came to mind wasn’t, ‘hmm maybe I
should buy some to have around when I’m in the mood.’
It was complete aversion to the idea of pouring rotten liquid into my
body. There are worlds of decadence in the consumption of fermented,
rotten, decayed, simpler life forms’ fecal matter: Death. And we
living humans continue to consume large quantities of this substance
that can be seen as the opposite of life. We season our lives with
death. Like seasons keeping the year interesting.
I could go on….ok I will.
Our culture accepts this as an acceptable way to relax after working
all day….but be sure to jack yourself up with some acceptable crack/
caffeine every morning….
Weekend/evening drinking began as fun times. The kids enjoy the dive
bars’ grit. Years go by and soon the divide between you and the old
crusty regulars that gave the place its unique character suddenly
doesn’t exist anymore…you become that regular.
What started as a few drinks with friends, somehow turns to drinks
home alone. Or maybe you are not that weak: You go out. You only drink
with your friends, in your bar, almost every night.
Not me of course. Really. Not me. I’ve teetered on that life style.
Enough to get a taste and to have that image painted. I teetered in so
many areas. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been on the outskirts for so
long have finally started looking around and realizing there are a lot
of others in the same place. Walking the ridges, walking the valleys,
swinging on the pendulums of entertainment but never staying on any
side too long. I guess I’m normal after all.
The coveted contentment, balance, middle ground that so many strive
for by living completely pure and opposite of what was described
above, comes easier and easier as time goes on. There is no need to
work for balance and enlightenment. It comes naturally when you stop,
take a breath, look around, absorb everything around with all your
senses…and die.
