God invented whiskey to keep the Irish from ruling the world.

Image from DemocraticUnderground

It is my own decision, my own preference
My choice to be either liked or admired.
I have decided that fitting in is not nearly the same
As discovering where I belong.

And so I wander this world, and I watch.

I’ve seen the moments when dawn snuck up on the rooster
Witnessed the many times a good woman took him back
And the times he let her down again.
I was horrified but not surprised
To learn how much bad there is,

If you choose to seek it out.

And I’ve been present at moments of such wonder,
Such magnificent intricacy
And statistical anomaly,
That I weep for their transience.

They’ve often happened at the dinner table.

There has been growth, and reversal,
Pain and pleasure, fortune and hunger
And the boundless sundry wants and desires
Of someone who has always faced life
Leading with his chin.

I cherish my solitude.

Sometimes I’ll hop a ride and end up somewhere else;
Just because I can. I’ve slept under a blanket of stars
All alone, with nothing between me and the heavens
But the mistakes I’ve made.

If I never cross the line how do I know where it is?

I’ve come to believe that of all man’s endeavors,
Of all the inventions, practices, rituals, customs or habits -
The finest and most complete form of communication
Possible between two souls
Costs nothing more than the time it takes.

I believe in kissing.

—————–

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Comments (15)
  • Blue Roses on Mar 12, 2010

    This has become my latest favorite. At first I thought it was because of the many lines that captured bits and pieces of my life. Then, I realized that it was the whole, not just the parts.

    But, in the end, you had me with the last line. ;)

  • swatilohani on Mar 12, 2010

    excellent share

  • drelayaraja on Mar 12, 2010

    Wonderful writing :)

  • Muhammad Sohaib Roomi on Mar 12, 2010

    Great sharing :)

  • mr1977 on Mar 12, 2010

    nice post

  • hfj on Mar 12, 2010

    I’m of Irish decent and have done none of these things…haha
    These were powerful and beautiful words Jo. I really enjoyed this piece very much. Well done friend

  • ashan1614 on Mar 12, 2010

    I have no words to explain how much this touched me. Simply fantastic! I especially liked the lines: I have decided fitting in is not nearly the same As discovering where I belong -

    There is definitely a difference and I am discovering that for myself.

  • Lee Ness on Mar 12, 2010

    Hello
    I enjoyed reading your profile. You have done so much in your life. you should feel proud and this story show how creative you are and you really get into the theme.
    Keep them coming. Wonderful for St. Patty’s day around the corner.
    Thanks lee ness

  • 8Shei8 on Mar 13, 2010

    This is a delightful and touching article!

  • BluSphere on Mar 13, 2010

    Great share Reilley

    Best regards,
    A W Hegelund

  • LewSethics on Mar 16, 2010

    Good one Reilly. Simple truths are like single malt whiskey, whatever that means, but it sounds Irish. Doesn’t matter.
    You put the words down in the right order, and they speak to us.
    peace

  • Blue Roses on Dec 6, 2010

    This one resonates more now than then. Balance does that.

  • Gay on Feb 1, 2012

    Hi Chris, Really loved this. Being the “troubles in a person” Irish and Northern Irish both with each grandmother – there has always been a rebellion in me. The Protestant one despised liquor and only allowed her husband one jigger a day after work. None of her children or grandchildren drank (we had other bad habits). We all love potatoes and are all ready for the famine. But I’ve sung this song in my own way, and know a countryman when I read him! Well done. Gay

  • brian miller on Feb 1, 2012

    fitting in is not nearly the same
    As discovering where I belong…

    great lines that and so true…

    i also believe in kissing…ha

  • brian miller on Feb 1, 2012

    fitting in is not nearly the same
    As discovering where I belong…

    great lines that and so true…

    i also believe in kissing…ha

    very nice

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