Bagpipes

It happened again last night.  The fire glazed sunset had long past when we heard the eire melody of a bagpipe. From our eleventh story balcony we peered down at the waters edge where a darkly clad musician was playing a haunting melody.  The music faded in and out and reminded me of my youth when we laid in bed and  listened to music fading in and out on our old short wave radio. My curiosity got the best of me and I rushed to put my shoes on so that I could run down and talk to the soloist.  It seemed like the elevator descended in slow motion. 

I struggled through the sand to the area where they had been playing, but they were gone. In the twilight  distance I could see a figure escaping  into the night. Her dark skirt waving in the ocean breeze.

I Prefer People

Don't get me wrong. 
I grew up with dogs and have many fond memories of the times we played. But I grew up at a time when dogs were considered just that. Dogs. We never considered having them in the house. If we wanted to criticize someone we called them a "dirty dog". Why? Because dogs are dirty.
 Fast forward to the present time and I am perplexed as to why people are so infatuated with them. They have them in their home and some even sleep with them. They treat them like their children, maybe better than their children.

If you dare say anything derogatory about any dog, your branded a animal hater. I think its a sad commentary on our society and have struggled for a long time to explain how I feel. 

Last night we were enjoying an evening of conversation with good friends when the friends wife made a statement that I will never forget and will use often. She said "I prefer people" . Its profound!  

I prefer people!