Final entry from a Big Sur writing retreat - part X

I long...

I long to breathe in my son's boundless energy – his youth and exuberance about damn near everything, while I still have the chance.

I long to walk in England and get all giddy on Baker's Street, to explore the pubs and streets of Ireland, while I still have the chance.

Let me harass the Internal Revenue Service and student loan folks as they have harassed me (crank calls perhaps), while I still have the chance.

The cold shark cage beckons, story cry out to be written like mewling kittens, the return to alcohol awaits, while I still have the chance.

Most of all, let me learn how to be comfortable in my own skin while that flesh is still mine to control.

I want my children to understand me.

While I still have the chance.