On this day, in 1958, the late Mrs. Berenice S. gave birth to a son.
Who writes now again, tonight.
A life hammered by trial, adversity, toil, and failure.
And success.
I find myself somewhat between the two these days.
But having friends such as Kim, Misha and Marcus. Well, from such friends, one draws fire and life, and inspiration.
So, I dabble again.
The fires have not died. No, rather, the banked coals have caught a wisp of air, reigniting that which was buried 'neath the ashes.
Those who know me know I've not been absent, be it out on the 'net, nor on the firing line. I have paid dues, and those in spades. But I've been silent here; brooding.
My cauldron boils, churning the ingredients of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, versus the forces of our borders; invaded. Our national budget; a whore's weekend. And our Conservatism; muted by the politics of cowardice, appeasement, poltical correctness and accomodation.
The "New Tone" in Washington: Meet the New Boss, same as the Old Boss.
Let me tell you something on this, the echo of my Forty Eighth year on this planet.
My anger at the bullshit is muted only by my love for Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
If Big Brother manages to wrest even one of those from my grasp, then all bets are off.
Then Cry Havoc!, and let slip the dogs of war.
Be warned. The Sloop New Dawn yet sails. And is armed to the gunnels, helmed by an older and angrier Captain.
Board, if you dare.
Welcome back to the Flotilla of Freedom, Captain.
We'll sortie soon for battle. Our spies inform us that the Enemy has built a great Fleet, an Armada, with which to invade these shores.
We'll stop them on the High Seas, and their slave-ships will never touch the sands of our beaches.
Provision your good ship, Sir, and ready your arms.
For now, welcome back to the Flotilla of Freedom.
Posted by: Rivrdog | April 06, 2006 at 01:09 AM
I dare.
Good to see you, Jim.
Posted by: Russ | April 06, 2006 at 04:01 AM
My cutlass is at the ready
Awaiting your command.
Be it cleaning halls of gov'ment
Or in dispatching boarders
Theocrats of the Damned.
Your ensign hoist proudly
We'll hale her anew!
Sworn oaths 'gainst old parchments
Bind us to what's true.
Whether your ship's log
Has entries many, or few.
We await Sir, your orders
(Signed,) Your motly old crew.
Posted by: Guy S | April 06, 2006 at 07:46 AM
Man your "Repel Boarders" stations!
Posted by: MCPO Airdale | April 06, 2006 at 06:14 PM
"Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!"
As our blood boils over and our vision fades to red,
With action to be taken, and no more to be said,
There's Freedom's road to follow, and armies to be led.
"Cry Havoc" I can do without, but for those dogs of war,
Let their leashes slip their necks, as in years before.
And with a mighty cry the crew will launch away from shore
To meet the foe, and vanquish same, and bear him nevermore.
Glad to see you up and running again, Cap'n.
Posted by: Raging_Dave | April 06, 2006 at 06:46 PM
Well, it's about stinkin' time!
Cut it loose, bud!
MC
Posted by: mostly cajun | April 06, 2006 at 07:11 PM
Huge thanks, y'all.
Time for some fun 'round these decks.
Jim
Sloop New Dawn
Galveston, TX
Posted by: Jim | April 06, 2006 at 07:53 PM
... about time, man... I thought you were dead....
Posted by: Eric | April 06, 2006 at 09:16 PM
Happy (Belated) Birthday, Jim. And what a birthday it is, you giving us a present rather than t'other way around. Good to see you back...
Posted by: Jay G | April 06, 2006 at 09:29 PM
Jim; Happy Birthday and Welcome Back. Your voice has been missed in recent months.
Captain: I dare to board. I was going to say that I was "...reporting for duty..." but that sounded too contrived (or is it "nuanced"?)
Good to see you back, my brother.
Posted by: Michael | April 06, 2006 at 10:10 PM
Happy Birthday, Jim, it is great to be back aboard.
Posted by: Morenuancedthanyou | April 07, 2006 at 12:52 AM
Most excellent! I can't wait. Let's go.
Posted by: Dan from Madison | April 07, 2006 at 05:41 AM
Remember we have the same birthday? Your return was a great BD present!!
Posted by: Indigo | April 07, 2006 at 11:32 AM
Once more a light shines in the darkness. Happy Birthday and welcome back Jim.
Posted by: Rey B | April 08, 2006 at 07:54 PM
Happy Birthday!
I'm a little late to the parade, but wanted to welcome Jim back to blogging! It's good to see you back online at your own place.
Mike
Posted by: 308Mike | April 10, 2006 at 04:41 PM
Good to hear from you again! Got a box of rifle ammo here with your name on it!
Posted by: El Capitan | April 10, 2006 at 09:40 PM
A very belated Happy Birthday, Jim. Glad to see you are back.
Posted by: Tina | April 11, 2006 at 11:47 AM
Happy Belated Birthday!
I CANNOT believe you washed ashore. About damn time!!
Posted by: Dana | April 13, 2006 at 12:56 AM
Welcome back, Its great seeing you back ob deck again.
Posted by: Liberty | April 14, 2006 at 06:41 PM
You write, I'll read. Welcome back. djs
Posted by: DJSloan/Houston | April 18, 2006 at 10:59 AM
Welcome back dear friend. I am sorry I missed wishing you a happy birthday sooner. as Liberty says...you write, I'll read.
Always ready to give you a port in a storm!
Posted by: MK | April 20, 2006 at 11:53 PM
I'm so glad to see you back! I just read over at RivrDog that you've returned, and I have to say it's the best news I've had this week. You're back on my blogroll, effective immediately!
Posted by: MorningGlory | May 05, 2006 at 08:53 AM