Young Friends, Wise Sayings

There is a chance that I may fully mature before I die. I don’t count on it, but it is conceivable and perhaps logical that I can hope for it.

Oh, ye of little faith, stop reading now.

As I mature slowly, I am impressed with how much joy I receive by the thoughts and conversations I share with younger people. The young people of this earth are the sparkle of life for us maturing ones and I am so very thankful for their presence.

At our home, we have a patio which sees its share of warm informal gatherings. One particular evening in the late spring this year, we enjoyed such a gathering of friends and neighbors. We enjoyed a cookout of something or other, not memorable enough to recall here, but was an occasion which I shall never forget and shall smile every time I remember it.

My wife dotes upon two teacup poodles which are both neutered females about ten years old. They can mingle with guests as long as they behave and are welcome sometimes outside. Sometimes these poodles will hump each other as the mood strikes them and the Jasmine is showing its perfume.

We have friends who are parents of two wonderful young boys around ten and twelve years old. I shall call these boys Tom and Huck to keep their privacy.

We had finished our meal and were cooling down and enjoying the quiet before the Cicadas tuned up. The two poodles had been released to wander and found themselves mingling among the group. I was sitting sideways on the hammock with Tom and Huck. As we rocked back and forth and listened to the first Cicada, the poodles, as they are accustomed to do, began a humping session. No one spoke. Everyone was polite and a little embarrassed. The cicadas kept tuning up and the dogs kept humping.

Wife and Master came onto the patio, not noticing, clapped her hands and said, “cmon….lets go in”. The dogs quickly obeyed and left. No one spoke. The Cicadas continued.

After some seconds, Huck said, “Well, there goes the entertainment”.

Many thanks to Huck for giving me this moment to savor and this smile I wear now as I write.