Over a period of a week, I think I had about seven casual (not mean-spirited) mentions of how little hair I had on top. I'm forty-four. Guys lose hair. So I figure I'd take this one by the horns. (In class we had talked about how the British invented Yankee Doodle as a taunt, but the patriots adopted it as their own, snagging a nice ditty and robbing the opponent of their tease.)
I could go really short or buzz. I'm pondering this at home. Jack turns to me and says, "You should ask a lady friend". (Dad raised him right.)
And so I did.
Calamity Jane, without hesitation: "buzz".
And a couple of hours later I'm in the chair and the stylist gives me a serious look: "This is a big step for you." (Women have hair seriousness that guys can't really fully understand.)
Me: "Let's do it."
I've been surprised by how much people like it, especially the ladies. When you get to my age, you can pretty reliably tell when people are shining you on and when they mean it.
I think the buzz is here to stay.
my boy, david
12:00 AM
What can I tell you about the terrors or fatherhood?
Will my boy be o.k.? Who is he? How can we make it if he doesn't follow my path? School isn't the game that it was for you. It's hard and not his passion.
You've had some help. Your parents have worked on getting you what you need to get more out of your education.
"Spicy beer dogs with Dijon mustard and onions! Thanks Dad!"
"I'll be out riding my bike. Let me know when the Spanish rice and broccoli is done."
Here you go. A little Dr. Pepper on ice?
"Dad? Can we go on a night walk to Laurelhurst Park?"
We walk north in the spring night zigzagging blocks towards the WPA masterpiece.
And the questions of history loft forth from his mind as helium rises to the blue sky. And I find myself reaching to memories of 1984 and submarine warfare of WWII via Das Boot. The lamp posts light our way to the little west gully where he rolls down the hill until he is too dizzy to walk straight.
I balance him, remembering what it felt to be dizzy, late at night, with just one parent all to myself. And we walk together.
Cactus flourishes next to the sidewalk. We stop and touch it, in wonder. "They make a tasty dish of it at Esparza's, David. I forget what they call it. It's like french fries, but it tastes like broccoli [Napolitas, I remember now].
This is our neighborhood. Our place on this earth.
Less than a block from our home, we stop and pause in the silhouette of two mighty deciduous trees. Their branches intertwine naked against the night sky. It is beautiful in a way that we both perceive, but neither of us will be able to put into words.
"Dad, the night is different. I like it better."
"David, so do I."
...
May 03, 2008
lost & found
01:16 PM
Baby! EMI just re-issued the 1985 cowpunk masterpiece Lost & Found by Jason & the Scorchers. This Nashville band was one of the bright stars in a movement that included Lone Justice, The Knitters, The Beat Farmers, and the Violent Femmes. Cowpunk infused country themes and traditions with an edge and intensity that created a new branch of music, but I contend also served to revitalize mainstream country.
One stanza of lyrics each from four of the tracks:
I’ve seen a million dreams in your eyes
I’ve searched for love and found goodbyes
Still here I am
The days going blind
Will I ever find a way
Find a way to leave you far behind
[killer sad fiddle solo]
If money talks I’d wish it’s speak to me
Cause I could use the conversation
It’s plain to see
I can’t go on livin’ in your broken whiskey glass
Some day there’ll be an epitaph that reads:
“Here lies Jason
strangled by love that wouldn’t breathe”
Last time around
I’m the final survivor in your heart’s ghost town
