(Kim Jackson) -- Have you ever opened your eyes to a new day and felt like you wanted to just melt into the sheets and not come out? And no, I am not speaking on a ‘monthly visitor’ mood. It’s like you just want to either stay home and be upset or stay home and cry. I call this feeling like ‘piss and vinegar’; hereafter referred to as p&v…I don’t really like to say that first word. It makes me sound like some chick standing on somebody’s corner with the fellas drinkin’ forties. 

Seriously, think about it…when you really have to ‘go’ and for whatever reason, you have to wait; you will get annoyed. Also, if someone gave you a spoonful of vinegar; your face wrinkles up and you purse your lips together. For the city folks that are asking about the spoonful of vinegar; that’s one of those down home remedies for high blood pressure and headaches.

So, you make a point to go get coffee by yourself instead of with your coffee work buddy. You put on your headphones and turn them up high so that others won’t bother you. But once they realize that yelling your name still doesn’t get your attention; they tap you on the shoulder and you reward them with that Michael Ironside look from the 80’s sci-fi movie, Scanners, because you’re trying to make their head explode. You turn your cell phone off. When you go online, you’re listed as ‘offline’. I know the routine. Everything that you have purchased and signed up for is shut off, shut down, and closed because you just want to be in your own p&v mood.

And then, you have those that are your bestests (yes, I know that’s not a word…stop) friends and when they get around those obstacles that you’ve placed; you sigh deep, roll your eyes, and exhale loudly. But, you answer, you respond, you reply. And you know what? It turns about to be a good thing. It turns out that whatever they’re talking about, you needed to hear. It turns out, that you needed that connection; you needed to hear a friendly voice. And when you tell them about your p&v mood; they kick in high gear and you remember why they know more about you than some members of your family. 

They write songs about it, but the next time that you have one of these days; call on your friends. Your real friends…not those acquaintances or sometimeys (yes, I know that’s not a word either…but you know exactly what I’m talking about) and let them know that you want to cash in one of those infinite friend coupons. Let them know that you need them. For the girls, let them know that you need a hug. For the guys, let them know that you need a beer. And for those tomboys like me…I’ll need a hug, a beer, some wings, and football. 

Beautiful  

I imagine it to be thin
But strong
Flexible, resilient, and firm

This connection between you and me

I imagine it to be blue
Glowing
A human tentacle shared by two

This connection between you and me

I imagine it to be unbreakable
Permanent
Remaining steadfast under any circumstance

This connection between you and me

I imagine it to be immeasurable
Infinite
Stretching to allow growth

This connection between you and me

Is astonishing and amazing
Is inspiring and stimulating
Is uplifting and enriching
Is wonderful and breathtaking
Is exciting and exhilarating
Is affectionate and warm

This connection between you and me?

Is what I imagine you to be 

Beautiful. 

Diamond

©2009