It's 9AM
You’re not saying much tonight, he said.
I shrugged.
I am a gregarious quiet man, by nature.
Depending on situation.
Depending on company.
Often when I am alone, the radio is off, the tv is off and there is only the noise in my head.
The click clack of fingers on a keyboard.
The hum of the dishwasher or the swish of the washing machine.
And of course, my two supervisors, yipping and yapping when they wake up from a nap long enough to spy an incursion on the borders of our territory.
By squirrels spying for their squirrel Army.
Or neighbors walking their dogs on the sidewalk.
My bodyguards keep me safe as they supervise the work.
Otherwise, it is quiet.
Maybe the world is noisy enough without me adding to it.
Add in a little introspection or interior plotting and you have a face made stoic.
Like mine.
Ever see a duck on a pond, said another friend. That’s what he’s like.
Deep diving for bread crumbs? I asked.
Two little feet going ninety to nothing while everything up top looks calm, he said.
I nodded.
Sometimes the thoughts feel like that.
Snapping and crackling like lightening from synapse to synapse.
Thinking about magic men and cowboys.
Wondering about drunk lawyers and desperate Dads.
Androids and colonies.
And more.
Planning yard work, and daily deals and newsletters and appreciation.
Always thinking about how lucky I am.
Always sending up thoughts and gratitude to the man upstairs.
Probably asking for more favors, like a sixteenth century sailor praying for favorable wind.
Probably always asking for too much, even if it’s just show me the way or clear the way or give me strength.
Which is what I was saying when he sidled up next to me at baseball practice.
I wanted strength.
More power in my mind.
Strength of will, of discipline, of stick-with-it-ness.
Traits that served me well running.
And writing over one hundred books.
Plans to write one hundred more.
Strength to market and grow.
Strength to help.
Three little words, uttered by so many.
Give me strength.
There’s really not too much more you can say about it.
What do you think of the updated version of COWPOKE?
Get a MASSIVE BOXSET of WILD WESTERN ADVENTURE in THE ROUND UP
Cry For Help: An addictive and gripping mystery and suspense novel FREE
Throwing Shade: A Humorous Paranormal Women's Fiction FREE
Help us take It’s 9AM to the next level by pledging your support.
Thanks for your readership! It really means the world to us.
Being on my own with no radio, tv or people, give me strength to carry on