square between the eyes

i have been perplexed ever since hearing sunday night from the prez that we had found and killed public enemy number one (nah flav, you're alright).  this resolution has certainly been a long time in the making.  nearly ten years have elapsed since bin laden made his most profound imprint on the u.s.  he changed the way we function, the way we interact with each other, the way we view the world.

i think that the terrorism he catalyzed is really shitty.  he needed to be apprehended, and i am proud of our soldiers and am astonished at their bravery in this manhunt of sorts.  i am impressed with our country's myopic focus on capturing and eliminating bin laden from the face of the earth.  i am sad for all those who have suffered loss and personal tragedy throughout this entire ordeal.  i am taken back by the crass and macho blasts people have taken at bin laden posthumously. i am puzzled as to why so many people would dance in the streets, celebrating of the death of someone.

the arts often fill a gap created by the world's unpredictable hardships.  reading keats (from a collection called 10,000 beautiful things) helps me find balance in the world. looking at klee allows me to appreciate the process and the final product.  hearing jarrett gives me balance and clarity. we've all got something that plugs those holes for us.  when i have a tough day, i might play along with rebecca martin or charles lloyd.  when i need some confidence i may spit back rhymes from rakim or bang out chords with bruce hornsby.  when i'm on cloud nine i lip sync some katie perry or revel in the bliss of prince's pink cashmere (yes - i'm talking to you...)

my grandma giles used to make these.  not this particular design.  much more conservative themes.

i'm a lover, not a fighter.  i'm the last guy you want defending you, unless it was a battle of smart-ass remarks (then i'm totally your guy).  i don't understand physical confrontation but do grasp the concept of self defense. why do people fight?  do we really need to knuckle up in order to settle something?  i understand getting pushed into a corner where the only real solution is to come out swinging, but geesh - do we really get anywhere from that type of response?

instead of weaponry, maybe we should hook up everybody with some records, a book of sonnets, and a painting to hang up in the bedroom.  maybe that would slow your roll and get you thinking out side of the box.  besides, making love is fun.