An Alligator Walks Into a Bar and Says . . .

Identity theft is no laughing matter.

Your precious gilt mask falls overboard into ancient pirates' hands.

In your dreams, you see it floating with the soggy wreckage of your ship.

You pick it up from the water; put it down on the sand. Embrace it, curse it.

Throw it away and watch as the green waves and white foam wash it back to shore.

Is it a mirror or window?

Either way: what do you see?

Trial of the Millennia

The trial of the millenia has come to an end.

A jury of your peers has reached a verdict.

Nothing is proved with certainty,

Yet your verdict is read by the foreman:

Convicted beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced to death,

Or are you acquitted of all accusations and set free?

It's hard to hear above the clamor.

Either way,

With what will you pay your lawyer for completely abandoning your defense?

Practical Advice

When you are trying with all your might to succeed,

Are you trying to forgive?

When you are advancing up the steepest slope you've climbed,

Are you looking in the eyes of the fallen with respect and gratitude?

When you are taking a moment to admire the work you've done,

Do you remember that none of it belongs to you?