From: owner-eda-thoughts-digest@smoe.org (eda-thoughts-digest) To: eda-thoughts-digest@smoe.org Subject: eda-thoughts-digest V3 #19 Reply-To: eda-thoughts@smoe.org Sender: owner-eda-thoughts-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-eda-thoughts-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk eda-thoughts-digest Sunday, January 16 2000 Volume 03 : Number 019 * If you ever wish to unsubscribe, send an email to * eda-thoughts-digest-request@smoe.org with ONLY * the word unsubscribe in the body of the email * . * PLEASE :) when you reply to this digest to send a post TO the list, * change the subject to reflect what your post is about. A subject * of Re: eda-thoughts-digest V3 #xxx or the like gives readers no clue * as to what your message is about. Today's Subjects: ----------------- ET: A Reflection Before Homecoming (A story) [Chris ] ET: Re: eda-thoughts-digest V3 #18 [RedWoodenBeads@aol.com] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 22:10:01 -0500 From: Chris Subject: ET: A Reflection Before Homecoming (A story) (Actually, any suggestions or questions would be welcome…Thanks) (By the way the Jewel references were quite a bit harder for other non-Jewel readers to find.) * A Reflection before Homecoming * After I finished listening to the soothing song, "Angel Standing By", I stood up and faced my visitor. He was an old friend from my childhood. We physically looked similar, but are opposites in philosophy. He is a realist and a pessimist and I am an optimist and an idealist. We argued constantly about what must be done for humanity, but we both were afflicted by shyness. I realized that the lady-killer had not said a word to me, yet; so I decided to start our conversation. * I started into his deep azure eyes, trying to read his mood, and asked, "Are you ready to go to the Homecoming Dance? I've never been to one." * He replied in a dark tone, "Neither have I. No, I don't want to go. I feel as though my fears are taking life before my eyes." * I replied with a poem, "Remember Kilcher's quote that "The things you fear are undefeatable not be their nature, but your approach." Don't worry about it. Let's try to have some fun at our first and last Homecoming." * The pessimist sighed and said, "You are a hypocrite. I know you too well. I worked with you at all those Student Senate activities. I watched you sit there paralyzed with fear. It was futile for you to attempt to make a good impression. Your trepidation defeated you. Don't lecture me if you can't follow your own advice." * I responded by saying, "At least I tried to help them. Perhaps, I gained some respect from them, if nothing else. That's more than you have." * The realist laughed and bitterly said, "That's what you said before those activities. You have their respect, but not their friendship. This city has strong social divisions and you're on the wrong side. You'll never cross that barrier with your fluffy optimism. Consider yourself luck that they are at least civil to you." * I argued, "It was fun and interesting to have the privilege to help them. I've always felt like a leech and now I am repaying that debt." * He coughed, "Privilege? You are an elected slave. How many students have never and shall never help your class? Fun? It was painful to be there. Memories can haunt and looks can kill." * Changing the subject, I replied, "At least I've turned over all the stones I can. I'll never be haunted by shadows of what could have been." * Shaking his head with disapproval, he commented, "I know you're in pain too. Is it really better to know rather than to be ignorant? I'd rather not be in agony? Ignorance is bliss." * I raised my hands in frustration and said, "At least she was kind…" * He interrupted, "Kind Crucifixion." * I stated coldly, "At least I had a chance. You never even had that. Nothing ventured, nothing gained." * He continued sarcastically, "You have gained something all right: pain. You've risked absurdity, and earned death. Was it worth it?" * I replied simply and softly, "Yes." * He offered the age-old question, "Why?" * I answered, "Because I could have reached ecstasy." * I walked away from the mirror and went to the dance. - ----------------------------------------------------- Click here for Free Video!! http://www.gohip.com/freevideo/ ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 22:59:21 EST From: RedWoodenBeads@aol.com Subject: ET: Re: eda-thoughts-digest V3 #18 In a message dated 1/15/00 6:08:59 PM Pacific Standard Time, owner-eda-thoughts-digest@smoe.org writes: << Gosh... I didn't think this would ever happen after being too shy to even say hello to him for almost 4 months. I'm so happy :) >> I'm happy for you too! joe ------------------------------ End of eda-thoughts-digest V3 #19 *********************************