THE RECLUSE

When the years have reduced me to a wretched state, I will not venture outside my house. (My pride may be false, but it's real!) Though Genesis didn't record the fact, God resumed his labors on the second Monday during which he created the computer as well as air-conditioning.

I will remain in my cool room, write stories, take sedatives, sip on a Merlot and sometimes venture onto the balcony to bask in the morning sun like a turtle on a log until I quietly pass into blackness and nothingness. (I oftentimes hear foolish talk about our energy zipping throughout the universe, but I would argue that a loud, smelly fart has more substance than my spirit.)

The xanax is kicking in. I'm feeling more positive. I must delve into the now. I can't run like I once did, but I can take long walks. I can't cover the tennis court like I once could, but I can play doubles and stroke from the baseline. I can't exercise with the same energy, but I can stretch slowly. The phone rings.

"How are things going?" asks my Annie Gunn.

"Everything is fine," I answer. "No complaints. Just finished the column."

Much like sex, a completed column brings temporary satisfaction. But there is no rest. In less than 24 hours that unreasonable and insatiable drive will be making its demands again. I have no regrets, despite the many drawbacks of being myself. If I am conscious in the next stage, I will savor my memories of my brief duration as a human being.

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