Playing golf in the dark, when the neighborhood is asleep

is better than most things that might happen during the day.

Smells, are heightened

the golf course grass

mud

my leather golf glove

these combinations

contribute to natural rhythms

that only I can respect.

At the dawn of day, I am alone

and my time

is perfect.

All a man needs, is the birds

and the knowledge, that everything is going to be alright.

Most people

are so alone—

constantly, spending their time

in the company of others.

If you can be alone

and be with others

and know the difference

you can feel strong

and feeling strong, is often times more important than being strong.

People know people who are free

and the slaves amongst us

envy the free man

and that is their problem.

I went to the grocery store after my golf game

and a lady made me a sandwich

and talked and talked

and I listened to her.

“I hope it’s okay that I talked your ear off,” she said.

“It’s okay.”

She smiled. She knew I was tired and I tried to smile, which was worth more to her

than a well-rested grin.

When I ordered my quadruple shot latte from the baristas

they were not smiling.

“It’s teacher appreciation week,” I said. “I got this free coffee.”

“Oh—what grade do you teach?”

“Technically—none. I’m a psychologist.”

“Oh—there’s a lot of kids with problems.”

“That’s true,” I said.

“And you know what? This little boy told a little girl she looked more beautiful with her mask on.”

“Oh—” I said.

“Boys are just so cruel to little girls.”

They were glaring at me.

I don’t know why.

Maybe, they’ve been reading my blog,

but that’s impossible.