The wise one told me that I was an ego maniac with low self-esteem… 

He said, “You have to make a decision about whether or not you want to grow up. ”

“How do I do this?” I asked.

“You must learn to fac
e your fears. ”

“What will my fears look like, sound like?” 

“They will talk very loud and very fast. ”

“What weapons can I use to defeat fear?”

“You just say no. ”

“When will it end?” I wondered out loud.

“When you hear the pop sound.” He smiled. 

“What’s the pop sound?” I knew I’d regret asking…

“The sound of your head coming out of your ass.”

He always had a smile that started at his eyes.

It was long ago and we were younger then and much quicker to la
ugh.

Dennis Mantin