For Those Who Doze

I think I’m in trouble.Let’s face it, when one is seated, warm, and comfortable, it’s inevitable.Okay, I admit, it didn’t used to be. But as I grow older, definitely.I’m talking about those of us who habitually doze off.In public places.Movies. Concerts. Classes. Meetings.Church.It is this last that most concerns me.And the date, February 28, has something to do with it.Let me explain . . .On February 28, 1646, one Roger Scott, of Lynn, Massachusetts was rudely awakened from a deep and restful slumber.By the business end of a tithingman’s long, knobbed staff.Being energetically applied to Goodman Scott’s head.I don’t know about you, but being roused by being rapped in the head by a heavy wooden cane wouldn’t bring out the best in me.Heck, I used to get mad when my dad called to me gently from my bedroom doorway.It didn’t in Roger, either.Bring out the best, I mean.Obviously forgetting he wasn’t in his own warm bed, and just a trifle annoyed at being knocked awake (so to speak), he woke up flailing.Oops.Mistake number one: Dozing (gasp) in a publick place.And number two: Protesting the meted-out punishment.This second mistake only caused further punishment.Sigh.Roger, for his actions was sentenced to a public(k) whipping.And the dark designation of: “A common sleeper at the publick exercise.”(I wonder if they have T-shirts?)