Tag Archives: artifacts

Bob

Bob: (n) a shortened name for Robert.

We’ve given up on Bob.Dictionary B

In an attempt to include Julius, Keesha, Manuel and Mohammed, we somehow or another felt it was necessary to reject Bob and relegate him to the museum of artifacts.

As much as conservatives suffer under the short-sightedness of failing to see where progress is heading, liberals are often so far-sighted that they stumble over the settled souls of their fellow-countrymen.

It took a lot of Bobs to make America.

They don’t understand everything that is going on–yet they won’t become more tolerant by constantly being told how bigoted they are.

Bob has a heart, which is often encased in a weathered, oaken trunk of tradition. It needs to be opened, tenderly and carefully.

As we try to give freedom and justice to all, we need to remember that this also includes Bob. He may be slower at arriving at necessary conclusions, but he should not be ignored because we find him tedious.

God bless America, with all of its unique names and nationalities.

But also, God bless Bob.

May we travel at a pace where we rest every once in a while … so all the Bobs in our country can catch up. 

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Artifact

Artifact: (n) an object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.dictionary with letter A

Can it be an artifact if nobody’s interested in it?

As a writer, performer and general journeyman in the human stream of consciousness, I often become so self-absorbed with the value of my work and message that I fail to recognize whether it has any intrinsic worth.

I had a dream last night where I was confronted by my own inadequacy. I realize that some people would think that was a nightmare, but it was so enriching to my soul that I nearly wept.

The message in this night vision was simple: “You’re not as good as you think you are.”

Even though this revelation might make some people disconsolate or tear at the very fiber of their being, I found it relieving.

I’ve always had a deep sense of purpose in what I do, thinking that every drop of sweat that careens from my talent and drips to the earth needs to be infused with inspiration.

What a crock.

I am mortal–and therefore destined to die, but granted, in the meantime, an opportunity to leave behind some artifacts of my feelings, beliefs and attitudes. I know these will need to be sifted by future travelers, who will evaluate my work based on the current trends.

In other words, some things are going to last because they should and some things are going to pass away because likewise, they’re meant for the trash.

I am not discouraged by this.

I want my life to be an artifact. If people decide to reject my craft, I still want them to say, “But you know, he was a pretty cool, content guy.”

For when all the artifacts are collected, human beings still want to put a face on blessing.

I just want to make sure my face is sparkling with a countenance of joy.

 

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Archaeology

dictionary with letter A

Archaeology: (n) the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts

I am susceptible.

I am a product of my times and therefore the word “archaeology” conjures images of Indiana Jones and his whip.

I am ready to freely admit how shallow I am before you decide to dive in.

But also, I have found the subject of archaeology to be fascinating–that digging up objects from a former culture can tell us about their lifestyle and choices. Honestly, it more illuminates our study on what they were presently using when they went bye-bye and what that substance was made of, which enabled it to survive the span of time.

It caused me to think about the things that surround me.

Obviously, the elements in my life that would push through to another era are mostly made of plastic. So anyone studying me or my culture eons from now would contend that we were a generation that was obsessed with containers, bottles and all sorts of paraphernalia. For all of our papers would turn to dust; glass would be crushed and not survive.

Yes, in a thousand years, if they dug up our defunct civilization, they would ascertain that we really liked plastic and that most of it was formed into gadgets.

So comically, an alarm clock might survive, which would lead the archaeologist to conclude that we were a very efficient society, living off the clock, and probably extraordinarily productive.

If they found one of our computers, which survived the press, they would report that we were an intellectual culture, always chasing down the truth.

Gone would be:

  • The wrappers from our fast food
  • The pages from our silly magazines
  • And the most recent creams and salves we favor to prevent oldness, baldness and impotency.

So I have to admit I’m a little suspicious of archaeology. Just because something survives being buried does not mean it was predominant in the social structure of the time.

For after all, in a thousand years … what will be left of reality shows and the Kardashians?

 

 

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