Delta40
02-16-2012, 03:48 AM
A small group sat in the disused warehouse. It had been abandoned some years beforehand thanks to the recession and now it gave shelter to the lost and confused during the cold winter. Debris covered the floor and the crumbling walls were coated in layers of urban art, which under the dazzling firelight burning in the middle of the once productive factory, gave an almost homey effect as the shadows danced eerily across the features of the persons huddled closely to one another.
Somebody had managed to scrounge a joint and was passing it around amongst their fellow homeless. It would take the edge off the biting cold perhaps and a hearty laugh never went amiss in these circumstances.
‘Ah, this is the life’ sighed Roger as he took three quick tokes on the joint and handed it to the body rocking back and forth beside him. He held his breath as the pungent smoke filled his lungs and dizziness swam through his line of vision. Somebody replied, ‘Yeah mate can’t get any better than this. Best bloody hotel in town I reckon’. The group laughed merrily at their situation.
Roger smiled cheerily as he looked around him. There was Paul who had come apart at the seams when his wife had committed suicide. Silvie, who wanted so much but didn’t know where to start, Mo who just never fit in, which was strange to Roger since he was such a nice guy and wise too. Finally, Rockin' Bill who did just that all day long muttering the occasional word. They were a great bunch in their own way. Sure, they had their problems but right now under the influence of pot, he knew they were like family and he was very glad to know them.
‘It is a good life. I mean it. Look what we have here. Great company for one thing. Rockin’ Bill will keep good time for us and Silvie has a warm shoulder to cry on. Mo tells us some colourful stories and Paul, well he’s just a sad bugger but he makes us appreciate how much we really do have!
The group broke into laughter again. Even Paul joined in, so well did the pot have its effect.
Mo spoke out from the small circle. ‘You are right my friend. If we were to ask if this world could be a better place tonight, what would the answer be I wonder.’
Everyone mulled this question over in between lightheaded well-being.
Silvie, who had never found her place for reasons she liked to blame others for, piped up with the first suggestion. ‘Women should have more power. If they had the edge on politics then the world would see improvements. Men run this world as if only men mattered. If the reigns of government were held by women, the world would be a better place since we are carers and nurturers.’ She nestled forward, satisfied with her statement.
‘I doubt it Silvie love. What makes you think they wouldn’t be as biased toward their own gender as you reckon men are? Why would you think women in government would care about men? Would it be a better world or just a better place for women?’
‘I dunno Roger’ Silvie smiled ‘but women should run government anyway. Now pass me that joint.’ Silvie puffed away. ‘It was a nice thought though don’t you think?’ Everyone agreed it was.
Paul offered his two cents. ‘It’s religion that’s the culprit. When you think about it, all the wars throughout history are caused by religions. I reckon if we banish religion, the world would shine.'
Rockin’ Bill started humming the tune to ‘Imagine’ softly in the background.
There was general agreement about this view. Mo did not share it.
‘Tell me something. If religion did not exist, how would you know yourself to be a spiritual being? Are you suggesting that we banish this very essence of humankind as well? The world of the dead my friend is just that and nothing else. To be cold inside as you walk the earth, it is not living.’ Mo shook his head.
There was a silence as the cruising high group digested Mo’s words. Roger confessed he never thought about it like that.
‘I mean I’m an atheist but even I believe in ghosts, healing and reincarnation’.
Silvie shivered, crossed her arms and rubbed them together.
Mo laughed and slapped Roger’s knee. ‘Chill out man. As we form social groups, there will always be something to kill each other over. I ask you then, why not religion? In mock tones he voiced, ‘What? You don’t like my point of view buddy?’ then drew his finger quickly across his throat in a cutting motion, as he cracked up into peals of laughter.
Paul conceded, ‘It’s as good a reason as any I suppose’.
‘You reckon hate is as natural as love then?’ asked Silvie wonderingly. ‘Like two opposite poles or something. So, like war is a natural outcome due to all the love in this world?’ She started giggling uncontrollably at the thought.
‘That’s it darling,’ replied Roger, squeezing her playfully. ‘You’ve hit the nail on the head and the world will be a much better place tonight if we get some more of that love out there. Know what I mean?’ He winked hopefully, as she slapped his groping hands away while still laughing at this latest enlightenment.
‘Watcha reckon Rockin’ Bill? What would make the world a better place for you?’
Rockin’ Bill kept time by moving back and forth. Nobody was sure if he was autistic or not and he occasionally spoke in fragmented pieces. He was no bother and a fixed member of the group. On this night he mumbled ‘Aliens’ and rocked at a quicker pace.
‘Aliens? What the hell will little green men from space do for this planet, apart from attack it or, I know, kill us all and then Mother Nature can get back to repairing herself!’ Silvie clapped her hands together at the thought of a new Eden, her eyes sparkling in the firelight.
Paul saw a different explanation of Rockin’ Bills theory. ‘Solidarity. The world is continually at odds with each other. Misconceptions, ignorance and fear about cross-cultural differences and all that garbage. If Aliens invaded us, we would unite as one whole planet and put those differences aside so that for the first time humankind, rather than focusing on the differences, would know the similarities of all.’ Paul sat back in astonishment at his own realization.
‘Paul that’s beautiful. Do you mean that humankind and their diverse cultures are like a big pot of mixed vegetable soup and each are vital to the rich flavours that simmer on the stove of life?’
Paul looked at Silvie through sleepy eyes and mouthed ‘wow’ at her. ‘Yeah, I could be saying that too’, he smiled.
Roger shrugged the domestic parallel off and boomed ‘Wealth. Wealth is the way to make this world a better place. Re-distribution of it across the world, then we will see a better way of life. Look at that naffing Bill Gates for instance. So much cash it’s coming out his arse! What about sharing wealth evenly then seeing where we are.’
Mo smiled indulgently at Roger who possessed a delightfully gruff exterior that actually hid a softer inside. ‘Do you think my friend that wealth and material possession is so important to happiness? Does the material happiness of others so sadden you and if so, is it reasonable to ask if the material misery of others cheers you?
‘Nah mate it just makes me hate the happy more.’
‘So you would not so much wish to re-distribute wealth but re-distribute misery and happiness evenly across the world? That is very kind and generous of you. Tell me, can you achieve this quest through sharing material possession alone? Or will you find you are called upon to do so much more for humankind?’
Roger wagged his index finger at Mo. ‘You’re a smart cookie Mo. You know I couldn’t but I still reckon it would help and you won’t change my mind on that.’
‘You said you had a good life earlier and were satisfied with the world in general. You who own nothing, cheer us much with your heartfelt words of comfort and there is no price I could place upon your friendship. It warms me greater than any fire I have kindled anywhere, my friend.’ Mo saluted Roger, who suddenly felt greedy as his circle of friends smiled upon him.
‘Well I didn’t mean to say that I wanted to leave you guys behind or nothing. I just meant that….aw stuff it! You’re good mates and I’m a lucky bugger ok? Is that joint still smoking or what?’
‘What about you Mo? asked Silvie. ‘What do you think would make the world a better place?’
Mo shrugged his shoulders. ‘This world is already so beautiful to me; I cannot think what single thing there is to change in it that will make it a better place as a whole. Perhaps it is the lens that each person uses to view the world that needs to be changed. Lenses come in many shades and for some, even the focus is skewed and the world and others in it are treated as such. Honestly, I do not know.’ He opened his arms to the close-knit circle of bodies and smiled widely. ‘I am fortunate to have you all as my greatest friends and since coming to this country, my world has only broadened and become richer because of the different people in it.’
Everyone agreed heartily that no one change could improve the world on this beautiful winters evening and that Mo was right. It was about perspective and how one chose to view the world in the first place. Despite homelessness, despite poverty, for the moment their lives were replete and unbeknownst to each other, they would each silently pray that all would be well in the world.
Somebody had managed to scrounge a joint and was passing it around amongst their fellow homeless. It would take the edge off the biting cold perhaps and a hearty laugh never went amiss in these circumstances.
‘Ah, this is the life’ sighed Roger as he took three quick tokes on the joint and handed it to the body rocking back and forth beside him. He held his breath as the pungent smoke filled his lungs and dizziness swam through his line of vision. Somebody replied, ‘Yeah mate can’t get any better than this. Best bloody hotel in town I reckon’. The group laughed merrily at their situation.
Roger smiled cheerily as he looked around him. There was Paul who had come apart at the seams when his wife had committed suicide. Silvie, who wanted so much but didn’t know where to start, Mo who just never fit in, which was strange to Roger since he was such a nice guy and wise too. Finally, Rockin' Bill who did just that all day long muttering the occasional word. They were a great bunch in their own way. Sure, they had their problems but right now under the influence of pot, he knew they were like family and he was very glad to know them.
‘It is a good life. I mean it. Look what we have here. Great company for one thing. Rockin’ Bill will keep good time for us and Silvie has a warm shoulder to cry on. Mo tells us some colourful stories and Paul, well he’s just a sad bugger but he makes us appreciate how much we really do have!
The group broke into laughter again. Even Paul joined in, so well did the pot have its effect.
Mo spoke out from the small circle. ‘You are right my friend. If we were to ask if this world could be a better place tonight, what would the answer be I wonder.’
Everyone mulled this question over in between lightheaded well-being.
Silvie, who had never found her place for reasons she liked to blame others for, piped up with the first suggestion. ‘Women should have more power. If they had the edge on politics then the world would see improvements. Men run this world as if only men mattered. If the reigns of government were held by women, the world would be a better place since we are carers and nurturers.’ She nestled forward, satisfied with her statement.
‘I doubt it Silvie love. What makes you think they wouldn’t be as biased toward their own gender as you reckon men are? Why would you think women in government would care about men? Would it be a better world or just a better place for women?’
‘I dunno Roger’ Silvie smiled ‘but women should run government anyway. Now pass me that joint.’ Silvie puffed away. ‘It was a nice thought though don’t you think?’ Everyone agreed it was.
Paul offered his two cents. ‘It’s religion that’s the culprit. When you think about it, all the wars throughout history are caused by religions. I reckon if we banish religion, the world would shine.'
Rockin’ Bill started humming the tune to ‘Imagine’ softly in the background.
There was general agreement about this view. Mo did not share it.
‘Tell me something. If religion did not exist, how would you know yourself to be a spiritual being? Are you suggesting that we banish this very essence of humankind as well? The world of the dead my friend is just that and nothing else. To be cold inside as you walk the earth, it is not living.’ Mo shook his head.
There was a silence as the cruising high group digested Mo’s words. Roger confessed he never thought about it like that.
‘I mean I’m an atheist but even I believe in ghosts, healing and reincarnation’.
Silvie shivered, crossed her arms and rubbed them together.
Mo laughed and slapped Roger’s knee. ‘Chill out man. As we form social groups, there will always be something to kill each other over. I ask you then, why not religion? In mock tones he voiced, ‘What? You don’t like my point of view buddy?’ then drew his finger quickly across his throat in a cutting motion, as he cracked up into peals of laughter.
Paul conceded, ‘It’s as good a reason as any I suppose’.
‘You reckon hate is as natural as love then?’ asked Silvie wonderingly. ‘Like two opposite poles or something. So, like war is a natural outcome due to all the love in this world?’ She started giggling uncontrollably at the thought.
‘That’s it darling,’ replied Roger, squeezing her playfully. ‘You’ve hit the nail on the head and the world will be a much better place tonight if we get some more of that love out there. Know what I mean?’ He winked hopefully, as she slapped his groping hands away while still laughing at this latest enlightenment.
‘Watcha reckon Rockin’ Bill? What would make the world a better place for you?’
Rockin’ Bill kept time by moving back and forth. Nobody was sure if he was autistic or not and he occasionally spoke in fragmented pieces. He was no bother and a fixed member of the group. On this night he mumbled ‘Aliens’ and rocked at a quicker pace.
‘Aliens? What the hell will little green men from space do for this planet, apart from attack it or, I know, kill us all and then Mother Nature can get back to repairing herself!’ Silvie clapped her hands together at the thought of a new Eden, her eyes sparkling in the firelight.
Paul saw a different explanation of Rockin’ Bills theory. ‘Solidarity. The world is continually at odds with each other. Misconceptions, ignorance and fear about cross-cultural differences and all that garbage. If Aliens invaded us, we would unite as one whole planet and put those differences aside so that for the first time humankind, rather than focusing on the differences, would know the similarities of all.’ Paul sat back in astonishment at his own realization.
‘Paul that’s beautiful. Do you mean that humankind and their diverse cultures are like a big pot of mixed vegetable soup and each are vital to the rich flavours that simmer on the stove of life?’
Paul looked at Silvie through sleepy eyes and mouthed ‘wow’ at her. ‘Yeah, I could be saying that too’, he smiled.
Roger shrugged the domestic parallel off and boomed ‘Wealth. Wealth is the way to make this world a better place. Re-distribution of it across the world, then we will see a better way of life. Look at that naffing Bill Gates for instance. So much cash it’s coming out his arse! What about sharing wealth evenly then seeing where we are.’
Mo smiled indulgently at Roger who possessed a delightfully gruff exterior that actually hid a softer inside. ‘Do you think my friend that wealth and material possession is so important to happiness? Does the material happiness of others so sadden you and if so, is it reasonable to ask if the material misery of others cheers you?
‘Nah mate it just makes me hate the happy more.’
‘So you would not so much wish to re-distribute wealth but re-distribute misery and happiness evenly across the world? That is very kind and generous of you. Tell me, can you achieve this quest through sharing material possession alone? Or will you find you are called upon to do so much more for humankind?’
Roger wagged his index finger at Mo. ‘You’re a smart cookie Mo. You know I couldn’t but I still reckon it would help and you won’t change my mind on that.’
‘You said you had a good life earlier and were satisfied with the world in general. You who own nothing, cheer us much with your heartfelt words of comfort and there is no price I could place upon your friendship. It warms me greater than any fire I have kindled anywhere, my friend.’ Mo saluted Roger, who suddenly felt greedy as his circle of friends smiled upon him.
‘Well I didn’t mean to say that I wanted to leave you guys behind or nothing. I just meant that….aw stuff it! You’re good mates and I’m a lucky bugger ok? Is that joint still smoking or what?’
‘What about you Mo? asked Silvie. ‘What do you think would make the world a better place?’
Mo shrugged his shoulders. ‘This world is already so beautiful to me; I cannot think what single thing there is to change in it that will make it a better place as a whole. Perhaps it is the lens that each person uses to view the world that needs to be changed. Lenses come in many shades and for some, even the focus is skewed and the world and others in it are treated as such. Honestly, I do not know.’ He opened his arms to the close-knit circle of bodies and smiled widely. ‘I am fortunate to have you all as my greatest friends and since coming to this country, my world has only broadened and become richer because of the different people in it.’
Everyone agreed heartily that no one change could improve the world on this beautiful winters evening and that Mo was right. It was about perspective and how one chose to view the world in the first place. Despite homelessness, despite poverty, for the moment their lives were replete and unbeknownst to each other, they would each silently pray that all would be well in the world.