2008 Begins on the Fourth

Last night it pelted down in sheets. Like an oncoming rush of a flash flood, it came in a sudden torrent, roaring down the slopes of Waigani Heights*. It was an hair-raising experience just to hear the rush of that downpour.

The previous night wasn’t any better. Come to think of it, the entire day was dark and gloomy with scattered showers and drizzles.

The setting of the first night – or day – of the year was not any different. But then again, my recollection of the weather pattern of that day would be more than 50% concocted as my attention was diverted. Well maybe “diverted” would in fact be a “diversionary”(?) word used here because in actual fact, yours truly was copping a proper hiding from the men in black and blue, leaving him blue-black all over.

That’s right. I was at the angry end of the copper’s baton. Not seeing any end to the onslaught of fan belts and batons, the only alternative left for me was to take flight. The stomp of rubber boots and the click-clack clatter of a rifle being cocked saw me reach speeds I never knew I had. One small step for Johnny Five-O; One giant leap for Nico Blackman. Cut up and bloodied fingers and palms are the only evidence of my adrenaline rush that night when I tried playing Peter Parker over one too many razor-wired fences.

Already I have three grey days in this calendar year but I woke up this morning with a smile nonetheless. Three days and I have not touched a ciggy yet. That’s good. The jingle of small change in my pocket is a good sign too. That’s good. As I stepped out of the door, the rain slowed down. Ahhh…. I think I’m going to finally have a good day. As if on cue, Ice Cube steps onto the mic in my i-pod with “Today was a Good Day“.

Finally.

Finally.

^::sja::

^{*Waigani Heights is a suburb of Port Moresby}

New Year’s Resolutions

^{Chair by Jay Montgomery. image courtesy of Jay’s Illustration of Life}

Another new year has dawned. Its morning gleams light up your eyes with new hopes, aspirations and goals. New Year’s resolutions promise a better morrow as old habits fade away with the dying echoes of the last chime of the midnight hour.

The yesteryear may have seen a milestone achieved here and a dream shattered there. But all your troubles seem to fade away in the excitement and raucous cacophony of youths with empty paint tins for tom-toms in their drunken revelry. In the upturned faces, the momentous brilliance of the fireworks illuminates nothing but joyous glee. The silhouette of dancing figures against a bonfire of a disused Dunlop tire resemble the innocent days of stick figures and elementary.

You go home weary but with a smile on your face. All is well you tell yourself.

A cock crows somewhere and a clock ticks somewhere. You shuffle to the bathroom, brushing past the cobwebs of a drug induced sleep. One hand on the door knob while the back of the other tries vainly to wipe away the aftertaste of vile concoctions of hard drinks and soft lips as your mind struggles to piece together what little fragments of memory you have of yesterday.

Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who is another year older? A few more strands of hair for some and a few less for others. A few more lines in the mirror but you know it’s not the mirror. A few more greys, a few more bags and a few more pounds. A little less time.

It has only been a day but already cravings are skirting just beyond your peripheral vision. You know they will come banging on your door anytime soon now. Already New Year resolutions are being put to the test and dreams are getting hazy.

There is no doubt day one of 2008 will find you in the same chamber of decision that Hamlet found himself in when he began that famous monologue. But pray, you do not follow in his footsteps and prolong indecision and throw away your destiny into the winds of chance for one more year. Pray you do not give in to your vices of old. Pray you hold fast and true.

Wishing you all good fortune in whatever ventures you may wish to embark on in 2008 and A Very Happy New Year to you and your family.

Peace yo!

^::sja::