Yesterday, I passed a Dog. First, it was rather afraid of me. Then, as I held my hand out, to let him get a sniff of my mitt, until he became more aggressive. That doesn't really bother me. I was raised around more Dogs than Humans, I like to say. Shepherds, Dobermanns, crosses. Mostly good Dogs. The oft Baddie. "Culls."
I bought The Dog, with aggressive behavior, some biscuits. Hopefully, we will create a relationship that results in kindness and empathy. If Dogs are capable of "Empathy," that is. If Humans are, as well. I like to think of myself as capable of such emotion. That I ascribe similar emotion to an animal such as a Dog, is up for grabs.
I think that my favorite Dog, ever, was a pooch that "just showed up" one day. A "Cock-A-Poo" that I decided should be named: "Itchy Brother," after the character from "King Leonardo and His Friends." A mangy lion that had less common sense than a soft brick. Itchy proved that initial assessment false. He earned his due driving the varmints out of the vegetable garden and becoming a wonderful companion. Itchy's hugs would warm the soul over many Winter evenings. He was a good companion in the cab of my J-D 955/Cat D8H, in the coal pit @ -40 Fahrenheit. Everybody needs a Buddy to share the Grateful Dead with at 04:00, when it's freezing' ass cold.
Some things warm my soul. They may be a Dog, a cool breeze, a breath of fresh air or anything. Such is the Human Condition. Not having shit blow up in my neighborhood is at the top of my list. People NOT speaking as though they need 100Db to get their message across is another. I think a guy named Max Ehrmann wrote it, in 1952, which surprises me. It is often attributed to various other authors at a much earlier time.
The full Missive:
- Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
Unless, it's THIS kind of loud:
Or, a Dog named: "Itchy Brother" who keeps good company in the middle of the night and warms his side of the cabin of said machine.
-Doc, "Around The Clock"
