guns and crosses

JH is at the M's perusing the instructions for the robotic cleaner.
JH: "Hey, do you know what is the sign deaf Iraqi children use for "American"?
I smirk; I have an inkling of where this is going. JH interprets it as an invitation. As he slowly unites his hands, he lowers the fleshly unity onto his external right thigh. Then, from the invisible strap, the simulated pistol appears, is raised, mutely detonated, and recoils throughout his arms. I follow the invisible trajectory of the figment bullet. I shudder in the empty silence.

JQ, an old college friend, surprises me with a short visit to the office. He is now a missionary in South Africa. He tells me of the joys and sorrows of working with children and teenagers, who make up 45% of SA's population. He tells me that most of the Zulus, although claiming to be Christian and attending churches, still take their kids to witch doctors. They still perceive the white Christians as standing for Apartheid. Even the children.

I wonder what sign deaf Iraqi children will use for "Christian" ten years from now.

heat and run

I ran for three miles yesterday in 100 degrees. Well, the heat index was 108. Bravado. As sweat is pouring out, as lifejoy is sucked in by bodily combustion, I am overcome by these thoughts: in very generation, all bodies eventually irrigate the earth. There will be much irrigation from the generations that come.

"Are you hoping for a miracle?" Silent Alarm, Bloc Party

of skunks and men

I was greeted by a baby skunk on my way to the office. Even their little ones are so defensive! I wonder what's like living in a constant state of defensiveness. To serve and protect that inner citadel. To skunk! Thankfully, I did preserve all my natural smells.

My card works. I get in. The elevator door is wide open. My favorite security guard is waiting for me. He informs me humidity's so substantial this early morning that you could shower in it, and he gives me a ride to my floor. I'm routine. I don't surprise anymore. No need for defensiveness.