NAPKIN WORDS #58 2011 - Dedicated to Mike Prevor

1. MEN AT THE BAR
Once, not that very long ago, they sat down,
ordered their drink, talked with strangers,
pondered and wondered about the human
experience, waited for their dinner companion.

Now, they sit, order their drink, then swiftly
bring out their latest electronic toy, light blinking,
screen blazing, scrolls scrolling, never an end in
detailing who has called, who is owed a call, who
is calling now, the latest news, wealth lost or gained
as the drink idles near, while the man scrolls, and
the sad thing is that he never stops.

I am amazed, its just after 6:00 P.M. on a Friday
night. They must have just left their office, gotten
away from the job, went to a bar to have a drink,
await the person or persons they are meeting.
Those best of times when one could completely be
free of stress, precious moments, time that once
was theirs.

If they can’t relax, get a few minutes free and
away from the job at a wondrous, welcoming bar,
they are destined for the saddest absence of
contentment, for right at this moment, scientists
in labs around the world are working on ways of
implanting that screen directly to their brain, it
will always brightly flash, forever eternally scroll!

2. SOME FIND IT STRANGE
When I was young, I believed in God.

Now aged, I still believe in God.

Many have asked me why I believe, what I
believe. Some have told me of the stupidity
of it all.

My simple answer is to tell them this:

“I went through every human struggle imaginable,
struggles of the heart, of adventure, employment,
family, friends, Viet Nam, poverty, being an
orphan, and through all that, with all the scars,
I am almost seventy-two years of age and I whistle
as I walk through my days.

The conquest and survival of all these experiences
is why I still believe in God.

Can you imagine where I would be if I did not
believe?

I never had to imagine success, for I always
had it!

3. LIFE
If you cross dark corners, mysterious places
left unlit, you dared. Lit corners are sure
signs you survived and conquered!

BRIGHTNESS

All is time!

Ticks of seconds
heard, seen,
often ignored.

Left is sun to burn
away, or be worn by
children unafraid.

They dance with songs.

Hearing no sadness as they
grow up.

We older ones, fading,
yet resplendent in
who we are.

Certain we are wiser in
why we love.

Much more sure of how we touch
other souls, turning away
from faces of
time.



by Edward Hunter