Opinion Piece

"Well, that's just my opinion."
"Is it?"
"Is it what?"
"Is it really your opinion? I mean, are you an expert on the matter or did you just read or hear the opinion somewhere and agree with it? Did you apply original and critical thought to the issue based on knowledge and experience? Or did you just feel that you should have an opinion and so picked one out of a few simplified alternatives?"
"Harumph! Well, what's your opinion then?"
"I don't know. It's far too complex an issue. It's not black and white. And besides, I don't see why I should have an opinion anyway, I don't see why I should have to limit my thinking..."
"Well..."
"Well what?"
"Well, that's just your opinion."

You Get So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense Part II

My stomach is cramping.
I think I may have eaten something bad.
Sometimes, I have a knot in my belly caused by a gaping sensation of being alone. That damned feeling has nothing to do with company, it also hits me when I’m with people, friends and lovers. It hits me during those moments when I’m trying to pretend that maybe I’m not alone. It reminds me that my experiences are my own and aren’t shared. It’s a feeling that won’t leave me alone.
But in this case, I think I may have eaten something bad.

The Flower That Smiles Today

The flower that smiles today
Tomorrow dies;
All that we wish to stay
Tempts and then flies;
What is this world's delight?
Lightning, that mocks the night,
Brief even as bright.

Virtue, how frail it is!
Friendship, how rare!
Love, how it sells poor bliss
For proud despair!
But these, though soon they fall,
Survive their joy, and all
Which ours we call.

Whilst skies are blue and bright,
Whilst flowers are gay,
Whilst eyes that change ere night
Make glad the day;
Whilst yet the calm hours creep,
Dream thou - and from thy sleep
Then wake to weep.

-Shelley