Brother Pablo asks why I quote Dickens when I can quote him instead in not one, but two languages.
“Because it makes an important point. It is why I do many things.”
“You also do many things that have no point.”
“True, but sometimes you hear something that makes your heart hurt.”
“Whatever does your heart want?”
“Do you really expect me to answer that here.”
“I do, but you won’t.”
Be More Honest With Your Dishonesty
Brother Pablo snorts and shakes his head.
“Be more honest with your dishonesty. Those who know more can see more. You know this and if you don’t go for more you get less.”
I thank Brother Pablo for his sarcasm and tell him it is my choice how to protect or not protect myself and others.
“Don’t react. Think and then act. It provides you with strength and then you can do what you must.”
“Brother Pablo, I remember a time when you chased a woman you said was your moon and your stars. Don’t play coy and cool with me.”
He laughs and says I am the perfect example of what he meant.
“Those who know more, see more.”
We both laugh and he tells me not to worry because things will work out.
“Always pay attention to action. Who do people turn to when things are rough. Who soothes their soul. Keep those people close to you.”
I nod my head and ask him if he can think of a crazier time. He shakes it no and tells me I need to exercise more.
“Thanks for calling me chunky. You’re a real peach.”
“You will die if you don’t look out for yourself. I hear you.”
“We’re all going to die and your bedside manner sucks.”
“Don’t play games. Work harder.”
I invite him closer but Brother Pablo knows I have fast hands and stays far enough away to avoid being tagged by Five Finger Freddy.
“I am working on it Pablo…I am working on it.”
Back in the real world a 30 something says I never speak and wants me to tell him how I make certain things happen.
“I speak when necessary and try to be quiet so I can watch, listen and learn.”
He asks me if I do that throughout life and wonders if I ever take a chance.
I laugh and tell him some people would say I am verbose and that I love to gamble.
“You don’t strike me as a risk taker. Are you sure that is you.”
I laugh again and tell him I like the sarcasm.
“You’re telling me that you take risks?”
“I speak and I am willing to take risks. I have been known to go cliff diving, jump off of roofs, say I love you first and to do a bunch of other semi crazy stuff.”
“Man, that doesn’t sound like the guy I know.”
“People who know more, see more.”
There is a long pause and then he asks what I meant.
“Is that supposed to be an insult?”
“If I wanted to make you feel stupid I would be more direct and try to do it. I wasn’t trying.”
“Hah, so you think you made me feel stupid with all that.”
“I don’t know how I made you feel. I wasn’t trying to make you feel anything. All I did was respond to your initial comments about my being quiet and not taking risks.”
He pauses again and says he isn’t sure if he should believe me.
“Sounds like a you issue. I don’t need you to believe me. It is nice if you do, but what damage is there if you don’t.”
“Are you always this harsh?”
“Not harsh, honest. If you ask me what I think or feel it is not unusual for me to answer. I tend not to sugarcoat. If I say you’re smart, interesting, beautiful or any other adjective people use to describe others I probably mean it.”
“It is always better to try and fail than to do nothing…always.”
