8.16.2007

turn the corner

the macho paradox by jackson katz could very well be one of the most important books i've ever read. it is only now that i have made the connection between the difficulty i've had getting through it and its very significance.

not difficult to read like hemingway.
not significant like the principia.

the difficulties lie in my own skewed version of what's past, what's present and, most crucially, what's in store for my future. how could i read this and at once take him seriously and reconcile times and actions gone and ships sailed? the paradox, as katz has so beautifully shown me, has not been outlined in the book (a point he's quick to note) but instead he has revealed it within me. and in a promisory note to myself: before this life is over i will have gained (or earned) the tools to properly deal with this paradox.

i didn't stand a chance.
i didn't stand at all.
you looked ok with the others.
you looked great by yourself.
it was 2002 and you needed reminding to stay alive.
and so did i, but at least i tried to fall upon that sword and never look back.
-
daniel bejar, a.k.a. destroyer


-e

3 comments:

benjamin said...

i just finished zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. i think maybe you should check that book out if you have not already done so. it's been a while since i finished reading something and felt proper mind-blown.

Elliott said...

actually i'm heading into portland tonight to make a trip to powell's. motorcycle maintenance and a people's history are on the list of books to look at.

oh powell's...

benjamin said...

oh powell's, seriously. that place is incomparable.

i've already recommended zen and the art, but i'm not above recommending it again. it's very, very good.