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Incurable Romantics
Well, I think that we can all learn to live between the ticks of an inexorable clock. None of us have forever, at least as we are. And by focusing on the far view, we ignore the immediate at our peril, like experiencing life through the viewfinder of a camera: not real life. William Blake urged us thusly: "To see a world in a grain of sand, And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, And eternity in an hour." But the end of the poem is wonderful (and this poet used to see Psalms in words of fire, he claimed). "We are led to believe a lie When we see not thro' the eye, Which was born in a night to perish in a night, When the soul slept in beams of light. God appears, and God is light, To those poor souls who dwell in night; But does a human form display To those who dwell in realms of day." Happy Valentine's Day, my old friend.— February 12, 2011 12:28 p.m.
Famous Last Words
Oh, hell, John: http://anewscafe.com/2011/01/29/vodka-swan-song-s… Thanks for introducing me to the guy. A weird life, cut short.— February 5, 2011 10:56 p.m.
Famous Last Words
John, it is true that Bill might have "made up" your father's last words. But it may also be true that those are the last words he would have wanted to say to his family. I know that is how I feel about my own family. And friends like you.— February 3, 2011 10:41 a.m.
The Age of the Lout
Well, John, I will not jolly you about the holidays. What I will say is that you are still here, still writing, and still refusing to give up. That's real success against the Norns. I will never forget your foray into CW music. There is much to be sad about in our world, which makes it important to seek out the laughs and joy. You could always make me laugh, and I will always remember that about you. I won't say "Happy Holidays," but I do wish you the very, very best.— December 30, 2010 3:43 p.m.
Reckoning in the Heavens
All any of us can do---and me in particular---is wish you a quiet and productive holiday season, JB. Thinking of you, and wishing you well.— December 24, 2010 9:39 p.m.
The Horrible and the Miserable
Dear John: Happy birthday, sir. I wish you every success and may there be a turn in the cards in your favor in the coming months.— December 12, 2010 10:59 p.m.
One Thousand Ways to Die
Ah, Mr. Brizzolara. Randy Pausch sometimes gets people making fun of him (not that I think you were). The part about swimming with dolphins? He planned that to make a super impression on his toddler child, so that she would remember him better after he passed away. The book that he wrote is pretty interesting. He was no Hallmark Card thinker. Nor are you. I write this to you on the eve of Thanksgiving. There are many bad cards you have been dealt (perhaps more than most people, certainly more than you deserve). But there have been good things, too. I keep my fingers crossed, for your health and happiness, as I always have.— November 24, 2010 2:38 p.m.
Beyond This Mortal Coil
Sadly, here we go again: worrying about Mr. Brizzolara. John, I hope you are well. My family and I are thinking of you.— November 21, 2010 4:58 p.m.
Prince of Darkness Takes a Bite Out of October
Ah, Mr. Brizzolara. How I miss talking with you about Machen and Blackwood. I'm glad you are doing better, and hope to see you doing well. We do smear a veneer of what we would like to see---good or bad---over reality, like metaphysical peanut butter. But as Machen observes, what is beneath remains.— October 8, 2010 6:24 a.m.
Your priest knows you spent the summer rocking and rolling
You should post some photos of 1960s rock period in your life, Mr. B. A dissipated Dondi, isn't that how you described it? I look back on photos from high school and I think: who is that guy? Also, how do you really know that hash is Lebanese?— September 1, 2010 10:34 p.m.