Re: Good idea.
Posted by Douglas on May 03, 2002 at 22:00:00:

In Reply to: Good idea. posted by John on May 03, 2002 at 19:34:24:

Dear John:

You are easily forgiven. One ill conceived post hardly erases years of devoted effort — besides, there was much grain amongst the
chaff and chafe.

(Many a semester ago, I made the comment to Sally that: “I will not see this old man’s dream die if I have anything to say about it.”
(or words to that effect) and I stand by that conviction even if it means the death of some of my own dreams.)

Rest easy.

And yes, I was mad as hell.

My first reaction was as follows:

“There is an old Taoist saying:”

“The way out is via the door.”

“And the sound you just heard was my slamming it.”

Student John has already alluded to my use of silence and separation as both a defence and and a weapon and I have to plead guilty
on all accounts. Fortunately, I am not readily given to impulse as of late.

Curiously, my second train of though was to the effect: “John said lately: “No more Mr. Nice Guy . . . .’ I don’t think that he has
got the hang of it.

After that, came the realization that my feelings were more than muddled and that some contemplative meditation would be in order,
Unfortunately, the only thing I was capable of sitting on was the toilet.

(Things you probably don’t want to know category: Before I proceed you should be informed that I have been Celiac from birth — a
gluten allergy. It comes and goes but presently it has flared up again and my digestive tract has me tied to the washroom. I mention
this because my bodily experience seems focused on my digestive tract and my mind seems preoccupied with the horror of a diet of
Rice Cakes. In short, emotional intelligence is not my strong suit presently, not that it ever is, even in the best of health.)

Mind you, I do recall the anxiety and fear that the word “expulsion” solicited for those that ostracize fear ostracism.

I will have to return to the piece when I have more present of mind and body and ascertain what is legitimate in terms of your
criticism. One thing that I do know, is that I am not going to deny my affection for Sally. We have been friends for many a years
now and I am not going to deny that affection. And yes, sometimes we are flirtatious, (actually in the past Suz and I have been
down right bawdy) but John, we live 2256 miles apart and that geographic fact means that we are but pen pals — devoted maybe, but
nevertheless just friends.

Get real.

Your humble and obedient servant,

Douglas

P.S.: Student John:

I will attempt to address your concerns tomorrow as they seem to touch upon the heart of the matter being discussed herein.

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