Ok, I Give Up...
Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
by Ken McCreless
RMS1437- "Answer the Call"
Greetings Fellow Travelers...
There I was watching the pope on tv and getting really aggravated. It's true that if he were the CEO of a corporation where so many of his managers indulged in child sexual abuse and he swept it under the carpet, as is what happened, he would be in jail. But there he was in all his rock star glory. It was really getting to me so I decided to change gears.
My mind drifted back in time to when I rode a dirt bike for the first time. I was a teenager and had never been on anything larger than what we called a mini bike powered by a three horsepower lawnmower engine. This one was somewhere around a 150 cc. It was a dirt bike in every sense.
My friend who owned the bike asked me if I had ever ridden one. I told him yes, of course, and jumped on it, ready to show my stuff. We were in a vacant lot a few houses down from where he lived and he warned me not to go into the neighbors lot. Also vacant, but off-limits.
I twisted the throttle and the power of the thing surprised me. I was thrown back, which caused my hand to twist the throttle even more, which resulted in the bike taking off like a rocket. I was along for the ride at that time. My friend was screaming as I flew by, for me not to go into the neighbors lot. I was just trying not to fall off, working every muscle to regain balance and control. When I finally did I was in the neighbors lot.
He had started running after me and caught up just as I was climbing off the bike. There was no sense in trying to tell him that it was anything other than my inexperience. Fortunately he gave me another chance.
I watched as he made his way through an impromptu track that circled the outskirts of the large lot and ran serpentine through several trees. Then it was my turn.
My confidence grew with each successful pass. We began to take turns, each trying to outdo each other in daring exploits of motorcycle bravery. Coming around the curve we would swing the back end one way then the other in order to increase our speed passing the trees.
On my final approach I gave it all I had. Only this time the rear wheel kept spinning and refused to grip so I could steer clear of the tree. It didn't stop until I was smashed between the bike and the tree. I claimed to have no injury but, looking back, I might have cracked a rib, given the pain and other symptoms that went unrecognized at the time.
Then I found myself back in present day wondering what the connection was.
Looking back at the tv I saw several women wearing "Christ Our Hope" t-shirts. Looking behind the commentators giving the play-by-plays I saw children running around and I expected to see an occasional piece of trash blowing in the wind. Thousands of folks waiting on the grass to cheer for the pope.
Still no connection, that I could see.
It wasn't until I later and he was at the airport with Dick Cheney that I began to realize what it was. The pope is tired. The people with the running commentary must have been looking at someone other than the pope when the comments were made on how happy and energetic and enthusiastic he is. Or how he expresses his joy by extending his hands and twittering his fingers like he was playing the piano. He is tired and in pain, like I was the day I crashed the motorcycle. And, like me, didn't want to let on.
I mean no disrespect to those with a different opinion of him, including my wife and her family, who are devout catholics. I just don't get it.
There I was watching the pope on tv and getting really aggravated. It's true that if he were the CEO of a corporation where so many of his managers indulged in child sexual abuse and he swept it under the carpet, as is what happened, he would be in jail. But there he was in all his rock star glory. It was really getting to me so I decided to change gears.
My friend who owned the bike asked me if I had ever ridden one. I told him yes, of course, and jumped on it, ready to show my stuff. We were in a vacant lot a few houses down from where he lived and he warned me not to go into the neighbors lot. Also vacant, but off-limits.
I twisted the throttle and the power of the thing surprised me. I was thrown back, which caused my hand to twist the throttle even more, which resulted in the bike taking off like a rocket. I was along for the ride at that time. My friend was screaming as I flew by, for me not to go into the neighbors lot. I was just trying not to fall off, working every muscle to regain balance and control. When I finally did I was in the neighbors lot.
He had started running after me and caught up just as I was climbing off the bike. There was no sense in trying to tell him that it was anything other than my inexperience. Fortunately he gave me another chance.
I watched as he made his way through an impromptu track that circled the outskirts of the large lot and ran serpentine through several trees. Then it was my turn.
My confidence grew with each successful pass. We began to take turns, each trying to outdo each other in daring exploits of motorcycle bravery. Coming around the curve we would swing the back end one way then the other in order to increase our speed passing the trees.
On my final approach I gave it all I had. Only this time the rear wheel kept spinning and refused to grip so I could steer clear of the tree. It didn't stop until I was smashed between the bike and the tree. I claimed to have no injury but, looking back, I might have cracked a rib, given the pain and other symptoms that went unrecognized at the time.
Then I found myself back in present day wondering what the connection was.
Looking back at the tv I saw several women wearing "Christ Our Hope" t-shirts. Looking behind the commentators giving the play-by-plays I saw children running around and I expected to see an occasional piece of trash blowing in the wind. Thousands of folks waiting on the grass to cheer for the pope.
Still no connection, that I could see.
It wasn't until I later and he was at the airport with Dick Cheney that I began to realize what it was. The pope is tired. The people with the running commentary must have been looking at someone other than the pope when the comments were made on how happy and energetic and enthusiastic he is. Or how he expresses his joy by extending his hands and twittering his fingers like he was playing the piano. He is tired and in pain, like I was the day I crashed the motorcycle. And, like me, didn't want to let on.
I mean no disrespect to those with a different opinion of him, including my wife and her family, who are devout catholics. I just don't get it.
Ken McCreless is just a guy who loves to write, and was born to do so. He is a freelance writer with several projects ongoing, including books and magazines. A huge fan of both irony and history, Ken has dedicated his life and his writing to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Got a need for short fiction? --Once-Told Tales-- Twilight Zone inspired!!
Got a need for short fiction? --Once-Told Tales-- Twilight Zone inspired!!
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Great article! The current Pope, "Darth" Benedict, looks very uncomfortable most of the time, and his oration seems very forced - I'm not sure if it is just that he has trouble with English (it's probably his third language after all), but it doesn't come across as passionate or joyous. His predecessor (before his difficult last years) came across as much more passionate and joyous man.It is, at best, a difficult position to be in. Thank you for your kind words.
Nothing to do with religion just being human. It all boils down to who you are and what is expected. No one wants a tired worn leader. The show must go on regardless if religious, politican, boss. Just like the show of life each day, a facade in many ways but expected. Good job.It is certainly a show. I just hope admirers don't have to buy a ticket to see him as they do other popular religious figures. Thank you, Robert.
You, Sir, have a wonderfully colorful brain. I LOVE this piece. I love the way you think. I love your thoughtful approach. But most of all, I love your sense of humor. Well done.Hey, Camille, I wish my first grade teacher had taken that approach! Thank you so much for the kind words.
Hi Ken, loved the motorcyle story, I haven't seen much of the pope, I try not to watch, so I can't see the connection, but I enjoyed the article just the same :-) Blessings to you, TeresaThank you, Teresa. Always great to hear from you.
I love hearing about your childhood memories, it'll never grow old. Yes, I agree it is difficult at times to have two very different views to an issue. But, you always have your way of simmering the discussion with your great sense of humor and childhood stories, and for that I am grateful & I "Y" you!
Our minds do work in interesting ways! Thanks for a creative, entertaining article. Reminds me of a story...My mind is more Seussian than anything else. Thank you for reading.
Love your work!
Interesting take on the Pope. Keep up the good work. We need more good authors.Thank you, David. Lke Billy Crystal said in "Throw Momma From the Train," A writer writes- always!"
however, i disagree that the Pope should be blamed for the accusations of child abuse within the Catholic Church, which is a wicked thing. i was brought up a Catholic, and have only fond memories of the Church, despite the occasional cranky nun. i believe that many of the accusations are unfounded, and driven by greed.Not blamed, but responsible for- there is a difference. If the powers that be in the Catholic hierarchy had done the right thing there would never have been a single lawsuit. Thank you for reading.
You need to submit your stuff for publishing. Don't waste any more time. You've got the gift. Do it or I'll come out there and make ya! Not many people are able to speak boldly, simply, yet with great depth and insight. Regarding the Pope, it is sad that he looks so dogged, but if you're uninspired and just going through the motions that's what it looks like, I guess. I think it's time for him to visit Monster [dot] com and take a look at what other jobs are out there. But I do see inspired leaders. The former Pres. Hinckley of the LDS church who was interviewed by Mike Wallace really looked sharp, enthused and inspired during the interview. At the time he was over 90 years-old! I guess if you believe, your body picks up on the energy and transmits to the viewer (keeping with the TV lingo here, of course). I know. I've been there. I'm not much of a liar, so when my life sucks it shows all over my face and body. We all need to stay alive, and that means doing that which inspires. Write on, dude.Hey Jeff, I agree. You got to know when to quit. Thank you for the encouragement! "It is never too late to be what you might have been." George Eliot
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