The Novelist Portent
Johnny E. Mahaffey
November 27, 2018

MELODRAMA EXTREMIS

There was a small riot yesterday. The mental health boys busted their windows out, broke their cell door locks (or bent them, rendering them temporarily ineffective), started a fire, flooded the building, and while there is more, I'll leave that hornet's nest alone.

What was I doing while so many lives were in the balance? I was in my cell, minding my own business, typing my previous post, and drawing for my family. Priorities. It's nice to be an adult, to know what matters and be able to see the bigger picture.

Things like what occurred yesterday have a way of putting things into perspective. I know that any day could be my last, but when you have idiots doing stuff like that, I can't help but think, "Damn, and I didn't even get that last call out." I was trying to remember if I had told Jaime that I loved her. I did, I know I did. But still, in the mist of such violence, a helicopter circling around, gunshots, rubber bullets, and gas being fired—your mind isn't sure.

My next breath, at any time, of any day, may be my last. I have to make every moment, every act, every word—count.

And if there is ANYONE out there who feels that I have wronged them—in any way WHATSOEVER—I truly am sorry.

For anyone who feels that they have wronged me in any way, please know that I have no animosity, hate, or anger for anyone. I have already forgiven any and all trespasses. Life is really too precious for grudges.

I am thankful for the life that I have led, the love that I have had the privilege to experience, and for my awesome kids and grandchild. I hope that I do live long enough to get out and be with my family, and to have enough time in my life to finish my writing and art projects. All in all, my soul is in good standing. I am not disappointed with life or anyone I have known.

I only wish that I be given a second chance. But, if not...

M