November 3, 2014

2014.11.03
It's amazing how much 'mature wisdom' resembles being too tired.
Robert Heinlein

I want to take another look at the ocean, behold the vastness of tears from half a lifetime
I want to climb another mountain, try to call back the soul that I've lost
I want to touch the sky, feel that blueness so light
But I can't do any of this, so I'm leaving this world
Everyone who's heard of me
Shouldn't be surprised at my leaving
Even less should you sigh or grieve
I was fine when I came, and fine when I left.
Xu Lizhi, 'On My Deathbed'.
Xu Lizhi was a poet and worker at Foxconn, this poem was written on the day he took his own life. More poems here. I really love that final line, which reminds me of Kozan Ichikyo "Two simple happenings" line.
Also, reading some of his biography on that page told me about facets of the rural/urban divide, and the appeal the city holds for some people from the country.
Aww, RIP Tom Magliozzi Not sure if he was Click or Clack, per se, but still, he and his laugh will be missed.