Drunken Philosophies
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at 23:47 His eyes were closed, tightly at first and then relaxed, and he kept them like that as he held his breath, savouring the cigarette for an unusually long time before dismissing the exhaust through teeth clenched and lips pursed. I was sure that he was not over 55 or something like but the ill-effects of the Caribbean sunshine and his over-indulgence in alcohol and tobacco pleasures added several more years to his appearance, his scraggly-tied ponytail of thinning black and grey an attempt to compensate for the significant hair loss to the front.
"How's everyone at home?"
We never crossed paths before and I was always curious as to if he would recognize me if we ever did. I would take his daughter, my little cousin, out for hours on end and she enjoys it thoroughly, always relating the details in animated excitement to both her parents. She thinks that I like spoiling her and most everyone else does but truth be told I spend time with her out cos' I need to. Everyone needs a rock and she is one of mine, although I'm not sure if she realizes that. And here I was now, sitting across from him, this drunken man, only because he insisted on it, everyone else having already left, the sound of Sparrow blasting a lot louder than I cared for on this, the night of Christmas Eve. It was the polite thing to sit there with him for a few minutes I suppose, seeing that he was the host for the evening and all.
"They're fine" I said. "Thanks for asking."
Alcohol, this popular avenue to escape the inhibitions we clothe ourselves in unconsciously or not. An indulgence at the much needed water stop between long treks in the proverbial desert we call life - except these breaks are superficial, the water poisonous, seemingly quenching thirsts without actually doing so, harmful in the long run but making the present just a tad more bearable for the man unable to see beyond his self-imposed limitations.
"Engineers are supposed to change the world...and those that don't think so ought to get the fuck out (of engineering)."
He had a point - well...sort of but now was not the time to debate that. Such is not an engineering function but the fundamental duty of every capable soul. Engineering is merely one of several means to contribute along those lines. Or at least so I think.
He continued: "The older folk are set in their ways, refusing to open their minds to new developments, techniques, but I not so. If at the end of the day I am able to save my client 30% on a quality job then I'll be doing what I'm supposed to."
I don't understand this apparent need for older persons to dispense advice when confronted with younger folk. It's not that I won't appreciate it or benefit from it even - it's just that it can be rather insulting when the assumption is that you're probably stupider than you look. Maybe that's why I often find myself in these situations.
"I drunk. I preach the gospel at the rumshop (downhill). But I not always drunk because it better to be a part-time asshole than a full-time one." He looked around quickly to see if anyone else heard him cuss and I couldn't help but smile quietly in agreement. He knocked the ash from his cigarette onto his left knee without realizing at first then brushed it hurriedly off when he did.
"But I know what matters. Family. And I do what I need to for them.” He paused for a bit. “How’s your mom and dad and everyone at home?”
And that’s how I knew it was time to go.
Reader Comments (1)
Is this fiction or non-fiction? It is written so well. :-)
"Engineers are supposed to change the world...and those that don't think so ought to get the fuck out (of engineering)."
He had a point - well...sort of but now was not the time to debate that. Such is not an engineering function but the fundamental duty of every capable soul. Engineering is merely one of several means to contribute along those lines. Or at least so I think.
I love this part!!! I could write a whole post past on my reaction to it.
Take Care,
CC