Story from Feruza Abdullaeyva

Central Asian teen girl with earrings, a blue blouse with pink flowers and a tie, and her hair in a ponytail behind her head.
Feruza Abdullaeyva

ARROGANT FRIEND (story)


As always I went to school merry. I entered to the gate and I greeted with my classmates . The bell rang . We entered to the class. Our teacher who taught us literature came. We started the lesson as usual . After teacher checked our homework she told us:


-Today I’m happy, because my lovely pupil Ann earned second place in competition. She is very clever and she did the test very well.
-Who? -I asked, shocked.
-Ann ,- she told again.
-What about me ? -I asked again.
-Yeah, what about our classmate Alina ? She had gone with you too…- all of my friends agreed with me.
-She didn’t place . But she also did a good result.
-Congratulations for Ann…- I replied sadly. At that time , a drop of tears flowed from my eyes. -May I go out?
-Yes, go out . She looked to my face and ask: – Are you fine?
-I’m okay.
I ran to the school yard. Hatred and envy covered my heart. I lost myself. 
-Can it be really? Is it possible I lost ? I was cried.
Because in fact incident was like that:
Two days ago we went to a competition which in this competition a special test from various subjects is given and we work on the test. The three students with the highest scores would receive a certificate. The judges distributed the test. Ann and me sat down at a desk. I worked the test exam immediately.  But Ann couldn’t . And she begged me:
– Alina, please also work my test . I couldn’t work it. I got confused . I’m getting excited . Pleasee…
I couldn’t refuse to see that she begged . And I took her test sheet and started working . There was a little time left for the exam. Finally , I finished . But time ran out. I worked out her test but I didn’t get around to working out the last five problems on mine. Exam sheets were received . I was a little upset, but more happy. I thought Ann would thank me for my help. But she didn’t …
Now I’m going to classroom. Just now Ann pointed to her certificate in her hand and went to the school hall. She was arrogant and as usual she didn’t express gratitude . As if she achieved success with her own knowledge and hard work.

ABDULLAYEVA FERUZA HIKMATULLAYEVNA was born on May 27, 2006 in Surkhandarya region Sariasia district of the Republic of Uzbekistan. She is studying at secondary school number 12. A number of her poems , stories, articles has been published in international collectings such as ” Synchronized chaos “, ” Kavya Kishor”, ” Raven Cage “, ” Mt Kenya times”, ” Classico opnie ” and in Moldava , Kenya , Great Britain, India, USA and other countries.

Poetry from John Edward Culp

+



    Time Space  for  a
         thought of Place 

    for I am where my Heart 
would tend 
     & Your join in Truth
As Our Hearts thought Blend

    I would talk on Yesterdays 
  gone  by
for what happens then 
  just  moves  Me
 
 Then you're there 
     & We can acknowledge 
               A hint  of trials 

    to dissolve like Candy

  Too Sweet to just ignore. 

   I like what You've Done 
         with  it .

I've forgotten  the  path 
 & need only your Hand 
    from time  to  time 
Where Space  is  a
    thought  of  Place

for I Am  where my Heart 
   Would tend 
& your join in truth  as  Our
 Hearts thought Blend

            Friend. 

                                                      ...........




by  John Edward Culp 
        May 11, 2019

Essay from Mohinur Murodova

Mohinur Murodova

Women’s role in STEM and Space industry

    Nowadays, almost only women living in developed countries can get the profession they want. But now the jobs available to women living in developing or underdeveloped countries are limited. I want to study aerospace engineering, and I am currently studying hard and working hard. Because many people in my country believe that there is no place for girls and women in the space industry. But I want to prove it wrong and after studying at the University of Bologna in Italy. I want to get a job and start a free education center for space-obsessed girls living in my country. And now I am going to talk about women role in space industry and STEM.

     However, the place and status of women in the fields of natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, technology, industry and construction is much lower not only in Uzbekistan but also in the whole world. Therefore, in the history of the Nobel Prize, the number of women who received this prize in the field of science is 3%. Women should realize that there is a suitable place for them in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and they have the right to participate in the processes of scientific development. However, for the time being, male dominance in the field of science is common throughout the world, especially in industrialized countries. In particular, 23.2% of technical university graduates in Australia, 19.7% in Canada, 26.1% in France, 14% in Japan, 20.1% in the Republic of Korea, and 20.4% in the USA are women.

   According to the new report of UNESCO on science, women make up 25% of graduates of technical faculties and 40% of graduates of faculties of computer and informatics in the world. Although women work in technology-related fields, they face serious barriers to moving up the career ladder. For example, someone takes leave because they are pregnant, and someone else suffers from unfair treatment by management.

   Engineering is the most male-dominated fields in STEM. It may perhaps be most male-dominated profession in the USA, with women making up only 13% of the engineering workforce. For decades, to attract mlre women to the field, engineering educators have focused on curriculum reform. While these efforts have brought in more women to study engineering, the problem is that many quit during and after school. Focusing solely on education does not address the fact that women tend to leave the profession  at a higher rate than men. Women make up 20% of engineering graduates, but it is been estimated that nearly 40% of women who earn engineering degrees either quit or never enter the profession. Clearly, some elementary and high school reforms are working, but those at the college level are not. So, why do women who study engineering leave to pursue careers i other fields? Professors explored how the culture within engineering tha shared values, beliefs, and norms might contribute to the under-representation of women in the profession. Women and men had similar reasons for enrolling in engineering. They describe being good at math and science in high school and wanting interesting, well-paid professional opportunies in the future. However, women, more than men, add that they want to become socially responsible engineers, working to solve major problems and making a difference in people’s live — which is consistent with other research showing that women are significantly more likely than their male counterparts to be interested in engineering work that is “socially concious”. Each profession introduce students to its distinct culture, skills, language, practices, and values.  Further, many women discover in their internships that be engineering proffesion is not as open to being socially responsiple or dedicated to tackling pressing national and global problems as they had hoped. This is a result of the assignments they are given, the values that are supported, and the mesagges  that are communicated to them. The number of women and men are nearly equal in law, medicine, and the number of women in basic sciences is growing annually. With such a low proportion of female engineers nationally, educators amd businesses need to pay more attentionto how an occupation founded on a commitment to complex problem solving so consistenly fails to repair its well-documented gender problem. Efforts focused only changing the curriculum are insufficient because they simple reproduce the norms and practices of the profession.

   You could be forgiven for assuming that the space industry is almost entirely male dominated because in the very early days of space expoloration, that was mostly true. However, as early as 1963, Russian cosmonaunt Valentina Tereshkova became the first  of many women in space as part of the Vostok 6 mission. Exactly two decades later, in 1983, Sally Ride flew aboard the Space Shuttle STS-7, becoming the first American female in space. In fact, women have been very active in space missions since the turn of the century with a tatal of 65 women having flown in space. Women’s contribution to space exploration extends far beyond female astronaunts, with female engineers and scientist playing crucial ground-based roles throughout the history of space technology. Women have flown and worken in outer space since almost the beginning of human spaceflight. A considerable number of women from a range of countries have worked in space, though overall women are still significantly less often chosen to go to space than men and by June, 2020 constitute only 12% of all astronauts who have been to space. Yet, the proportion of women among space travelers in increasing substantially over time. But Women face many of the same physical and psychological difficulties of spaceflight as men. Scientific studies generally show no particular adverse effect from short space missions. It has even suggested by some that women might be better suited for longer space missions. Studies have continually indicated that the main obstacle for women to go to space remains gender discrimination.

    More and more women from STEM backgrounds are choosing to pursue a career in space technology and this is a very promising trend. However, more work is needed before there is true gender equality in this field. Female engineers and scientist have been at the forefront of space technology since its inception, and it is hoped that their achievements will inspire future generations of women to follow their footsteps.

          Full name: Murodova Mohinur Ilhom kizi

            School: 5th school of Fergana city

             Email: MurodovaMohinur@mail.ru

Poetry from Bella Angel Douglas

Pain,
A four-letter word, yet so profound,
A silent emotion that cannot be expressed,
It reaches deep within, touching the heart’s core,
Unleashing vulnerability, leaving one in sorrow’s embrace.

Oh, the word called pain,
A burning sensation surpassing hellfire’s heat,
Bitterer than any medicine or food known,
Leaving one exposed in an unjust world,

Crushing the spirit to its very core, bringing one to their knees.
As I sit on the beach, feeling the caress of the breeze,
My life unfolds like a fleeting vision,
Rejection’s sting envelops me, casting darkness,

Rendering me unwanted, causing discomfort to prevail.
A feeling so agonizing, it beckons the embrace of death,
It hurts, beyond words can convey,
Why must I endure this torment?

Feeling undesired in this vast world, I question my existence.
Pain, oh pain!
The agony it inflicts is unbearable,
Devouring and destroying with an insatiable hunger.

Pain, a deadly word that pierces the human heart,
Too fearsome to utter, it sends shivers down the spine,
It resurrects haunting memories, cutting deep,
Oh, pain, how I yearn to banish you from existence.

If only I possessed the power to create a painless world,
Where suffering finds no place to dwell,
But would such a world still be called “world”?
For pain, in its absence, defines our human experience.

I wish I could mend the wounds of all who suffer,
Erasing their tears that disguise the pain within.

Let us aspire to find solace amidst the anguish,
To heal and be healed, to replace pain with love,
For in this journey, we discover our strength,
And may our smiles reflect triumph over pain.

Bella Angel Douglas participated in the Write Liberia poem competition in 2021 and came in third place.

Story from Chimezie Ihekuna

Chimezie Ihekuna (Mr. Ben) Young Black man in a collared shirt and jeans resting his head on his hand. He's standing outside a building under an overhang.
Chimezie Ihekuna

Chapter Four

The Age Difference

In the village of Hugglesworth….

“My dearest daughter, I know you are fast becoming of age. As you approach the age of 18, I want you to please, when you want to settle down, marry a man who is at least ten years older than you. You can see how happy your father and I are living for the past twenty-one years.” the thoughts of Monica passed to her seventeen-plus, daughter Sandra, during a one-on-one counselling session at Nike’s place, friends with Monica, Sandra’s mother.

“Dad, I have found a man whom I would like to settle down with. Now, I’m hitting twenty and would like to settle down with him”, said excited Sandra who couldn’t wait to introduce her intended ADAM.

“Who is this man, if I may ask?” Roberts asked, feeling eager to know who had brought his daughter that kind of joy.

“He is Edward. Educated, skilled at his construction works, loving, dedicated and mature…these are the qualities that had made me fall in love with him. He was raised in an orphanage home. But dad, he is well-groomed man…maturity-personified!”

“Can do you me the favour of asking him to see me? I can’t wait to see this man who perfectly fit into this description”, Roberts noted, in excitement.

Exactly three days, Edward came visiting at the family of Mr. and Mrs. R.M Green at their Kimberly residence. With Sandra sitting next to her future husband and after being offered some snacks to munch, Roberts opened the floor of discussion by asking him: ‘Who is this August visitor who intends taking away my precious jewel away from me?”

“My name is Edward Jade, raised in an orphanage home. Your daughter is well aware of it”, he replied staring affectionately at Sandra’s face. Having being satisfied with the answer given by Edward, Roberts, pitying him, held his silence.

Monica continued from where her husband stopped: “How old are you, Edward Jade?”

“I’m 30-years old.”

 She went further by saying, “all these while, I have been taken a critical look at you and I can intuitively tell that you’ll make a good husband. Considering the ten-year age difference between you and my daughter, I know, your marriage, just like ours, will not only last but be very successful.  My dear husband, I think we should engage them right away.  This rare gift is a must-keep for us; we mustn’t let him slip our hands to be caught in another woman’s arms. Pardon our manners…My name are Monica and his is Roberts. However, we are together addressed as Mr. and Mrs. R.M Green.”

“My dear,” Roberts reasoned, agreeing with what she said while Sandra happily looked on, “I think you’re right! At this point, Edward, I want to ask if you have any thing that could act as a symbol of engagement between you and Sandra.”

“I think I do have, sir”, replied Edward, who surprisingly brought out from his pouch an encased gold-coated engagement ring. Sandra couldn’t believe her eyes that she could help but to cover her mouth with her two hands. She had no control over the tears of joy that rolled over her cheeks to the state-of-the-art German marble.

“Edward”, remarked Roberts, “I want you, in the presence of my wife and I, to formally engage Sandra, sitting right to you”

Edward stood on his knees, removed the gold-coated engagement ring from the casing, with all his fingers of his right hand glued to it and somehow, supported by his left hand, asked: “Sandra, I present to you this engagement ring. On my knees, I ask…will you marry me?”

Sandra was lost for words for a while. But with tears rolling out of cheeks and in the presence of Roberts and Monica who was shedding tears as well, Sandra voiced: “Yes! Yes! Yes! I want to spend the rest of my entire days with you” Edward inserted on the ring finger of Sandra’s left hand.

“Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!” remarked Roberts who saluted the courage displayed by the intending duo of Sandra and Edward. “As you all can witness, my lovely wife is not in the best frame of mind to speak…she is full of tears of unexplained joy. I’ll have to speak on her behalf. Whatever you hear from me, just accept that it’s coming from the mouth and Monica and i. From now on, treat each other as man and wife” Roberts addressing the newly engaged Edward and Sandra.

Two years and five months later, Edward informed Sandra that he would be going for a six-month training programme in Japan. “As part of our company’s developmental policy plans, five of us, including me, were selected for training’’. Edward informed Sandra who, at first, was reluctant to accept the development but would give in since it was, according to her, “our marital progress”. Edward left for Japan and Sandra informed her parents about Edward’s movement.

 Discussing with our friends, Anastasia, Marilyn and Magdalene, Sandra affirmed to them: “I specially invite you all to my wedding which is coming up in the next six months. Please, Marilyn, Anastasia and Magdalene, come to my wedding. Although my Edward was raised in an orphanage home, his maturity is far better than most of us who had been nurtured by our parents”.

“Indeed, you are in love with Edward”, reacted Marilyn. “Though we ladies would love to be present on your wedding day, it’s quite unfortunate that we won’t be around because of our final year project defence in school. You know, you finished before us. Though we are age-mates, your level seems to be higher than us. But we’ll send you presents…” Anastasia and Magdalene nodded their heads in agreement with her.

“Okay”, Sandra said, feeling a bit down. “It’s all good. I wish you all the best with your individual projects!”

Edward, after returning from a six-month training programme in Japan, got married at age 32 to his 22-year-old sweet-heart, Sandra. A ten-year difference ought to be an obvious mark of maturity and Edward’s keenness to embrace responsibility in the day-to-day sustenance of his marriage. However, the reverse was the case.

Until quite recently, Edward, before he met Sandra, was a hardened chain smoker, junkie and chronic womanizer. During his courting years with Sandra, he withdrew these habits from Sandra’s notice only to showcase them after having two issues with her.

His negligence of responsibility as the man of the house and husband and immaturity in handling sensitive issues of his family have somewhat created a total disorder in his household ranging from dysfunctional psyche of his now-grown children to the incessant insult on his wife. Sometimes, Sandra regrets marrying him; sees him as irresponsible and not matured enough for marriage.

Essay from Sayifov Botirali

Sayifov Botirali Zokirovich

Education and its importance

   Education is the transfer of knowledge to a person, thereby developing intellectual, affective and moral abilities. That is, it is not only related to the study of didactic knowledge, which allows to perform various tasks with more or less skill. The possibilities in education are endless. It’s not about focusing all your energy on one point or limiting your abilities.

  The first thing that strikes me about education is the knowledge gained. Education informs us about the world around us and at the same time changes the world for the better. It develops and nurtures our perspective on life. It helps us to form thoughts and have visions around us in life. It doesn’t just mean giving us book knowledge, but painting, singing, painting, manners, etc. provides different knowledge about different skills like.

  With the increase in population, people’s needs are also increasing. Therefore, there are many firms that require a large number of employees to increase productivity. In this case, it is necessary to acquire knowledge and develop healthy competition among others

  Education is mainly important for children because they are the future of the world and they need to be updated with current knowledge. They are truly pillars of the nation. To develop the country and the world, it is necessary to secure the future and children with all their knowledge and skills are the right tools to build the nation. Children stand out from all issues as future leaders for the development of the nation; therefore each and every child should be educated.

  There are many different concepts and definitions of what education is, but one thing that can be generally accepted is the importance of education and the reasons for it.

Provides stability

 Education provides stability in life and is something that no one can ever take away from you. By getting a good education and a degree, you increase your chances of getting better career opportunities and open new doors for yourself.

 Provides financial security

  In addition to stability, education also provides financial security, especially in today’s society. A good education leads to a high-paying job.

Ensures equality

  For the world to be truly equal, it must begin with education. If everyone was given the same opportunities for education, the gap between social classes would be smaller. Everyone can have an equal chance at high-paying jobs.

 Provides independence

  An educated person will never be dependent on the opinion of others. He will have his own personal opinion.

Makes dreams come true

   If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Education is the most powerful weapon you can have and with it you can make all your dreams come true.

Provides security

   Education is not only necessary on a personal level but also on a global scale as it is what keeps our world safe and makes it a more peaceful place. Education teaches people the difference between right and wrong and helps people avoid dangerous situations.

 Confidence

   Self-confidence is an important part of being successful in life. And what better way to gain that confidence than through education? Your education level is often a way to prove your knowledge and it can give you the confidence to speak your mind and voice your opinion.

 Education makes a person a part of society.

   In today’s society, getting an education is an important part of being accepted by the people around you. Getting an education makes you a useful part of society and helps you feel like a contributing member.

Provides economic growth at the national level

   An educated person is very important for the economic growth of the society. In order for us to be constantly innovating, people need to keep learning and exploring. Economic situation also improves in countries with high literacy rate. If the population is educated, jobs will expand.

Name: Sayifov Botirali Zokirovich

University: Shahrisabz Branch of Tashkent Chemical Technologies

Email: bsayifov@gmail.com

Story from Santiago Burdon

Fly The Friendly Skies 

I was heading back to Tucson after I had made a Drug Run of eighty kilos of Cocaine  to Sacramento. It was originally meant to be delivered to San Francisco but an earthquake of devastating proportion caused the destination to be changed. 

I finally boarded my flight to Phoenix after my stopover in Los Angeles.

Whenever traveling alone it seems I always get seated next to someone with some kind of  annoying trait or disgusting habit. The incessant talkers that go on even after you express  disinterest There’s the drunks with an unpleasant attitude . Or those with body odor or with an excessive amount of cologne or perfume which is  just as displeasing. Close talkers with  bad breath. Others who pick their nose or clean out ear wax. Then they offer to shake hands with the one they just used to pick their nose. You get the idea.  I do wonder if the person that gets seated next to me may find me annoying.  I’m occasionally drunk, seldom stinky, borderline attractive, depending on the border and my demeanor couldn’t be classified  as unpleasant. I am an absolute  pleasure , how could anyone not enjoy an encounter with me? This time fate does me a solid and my traveling companion in   Seat 12 B , the window seat on this flight to Phoenix, is not a beautiful woman but instead a scholarly looking fellow. His face is wrinkled, weathered and pocked,  a testament to his many bouts with the challenges that life has thrown at him. As I sit down he uncaringly stuffs his jacket under the seat. He strokes his scraggly beard then pushes the call assistance light to summon the Flight Attendant. Then stares at me with a blank expression not showing any emotion. It seems as though he’s sizing me up.

I notice the Flight Attendant coming toward us. She’s  working her way up the aisle through the passengers still boarding, stashing their items in the overhead storage and searching for their seats.

“Good morning sir. How can I be of assistance?” She greets us in a melodic voice while reaching to turn off the call light.

” Well let me tell you that as soon as possible, I need three of those baby bottle sized Whiskeys you sell. No need for a glass, water or ice. Just the Whiskey and I don’t care what brand. And how about you there Pancho you want something? I’m buying.” The scholarly fellow asks.

“Sure , thanks. I’ll have a Whiskey as well in the baby bottle. It doesn’t matter which brand. ” I responded.

“I’m unable to serve you gentlemen before we depart but I will get your order as soon as we reach our cruising altitude and the pilot turns off the fasten seat belt sign.” She says.

“You need to know I am an alcoholic and must have my medication otherwise I can’t be held responsible for my actions. And Pancho here appears as though he may possibly suffer from the same affliction. How is it that I noticed when I first entered there were people enjoying cocktails up front there. What gives?” The self proclaimed  dipsomaniac asks.

“Sir, that’s the First Class you’re in Coach. Those passengers pay extra for that privilege and service.” The waitress in the sky explained.

“So let me understand. I’m just second class and it all comes down to money?  Another example of the inequality of Capitalism and it smells of bullshit!  Do I appeal to the head of the Airline to protest this bourgeoisie oppression or would this be something you could possibly remedy? ” He says.

I am unable to hide my reaction  from  the humorous exchange and I begin to laugh. The attendant leaves hastily shaking her head in disgust although still with her smile. She  returns moments later with six baby bottles of Scotch. 

“A gift from the Airline. My pleasure. And I know who you are, mister. So mind your manners. ” She warns.

” Thank you ever so much.You shall be generously rewarded by the Gods my dear. Ya see Pancho  sometimes ya just have to kick the rules in the balls .”

I wasn’t offended or insulted with what some might consider a racist comment with the Pancho reference. There was no malice intent in his expression describing my heritage. Although I’ve always been under the impression that my appearance was more Italian than Mexican. The ball kicker hands me two bottles of scotch and keeps four for himself. One extra for him as commission for his effort he explains.

” So what’s your story Pancho? Everybody’s got a story, some just not as interesting as others. So what do you do? You a drug dealer or a crop picker on vacation?  Are you in this country legally or are you one of those border jumpers?” He inquires.

“I don’t want to disappoint you but I am a Priest from  Nogales ,Arizona. I just delivered donations of food and clothing to the earthquake victims in San Francisco. I’m headed back gotta work Bingo at the church tonight.” I told him.

“Son of a bitch! Are you fucking feeding me a line of  bullshit? I would have never guessed that even if I was clairvoyant. You should be wearing your Collar so you don’t catch people off guard. It’s not fair going undercover. So how’s that God fellow doin? Ya think he ever feels guilty about destroying people’s lives by his ruthless ungodly actions?

I think of his assholiness as quite a prick. It doesn’t matter he doesn’t exist anyway. Don’t want to offend you or your beliefs so I won’t give you my take on him or religion. Gonna have to wait until I’m drunk. Then ya can give me a Peso for my thoughts. Here’s to your Jesus and the rest of the fictitious characters in that Bible. And to all the religious fanatics as well . What a fairy tale ,a book of fables written by religious fanatics, numerous authors , interpreted by an unknown number of editors.  Written hundreds of years ago without any factual data.  And with events stolen directly from other religions. I’d rather worship the spirit in these tiny bottles. At least I know it exists and it tells the truth.” He says raising his bottle in a toast that excludes me. So that was an example of him sparing my feelings by not expressing his opinion? I found it curious that he was concerned with possibly insulting my religious ideals but had no problem referring to me as Pancho. I truly liked this character. There was realism in his demeanor and a fire of wisdom burning in his eyes . His views no matter how socially  or politically incorrect were sung and voiced without derogatory intent.

“So what do you have to say for yourself Mr. Dipsomaniac? You do anything else other than drink and give people a hard time? Are you a mean drunk? And what experience was so traumatic in your life that it resulted in you becoming an alcoholic as you refer to yourself?  Another question, the Flight Attendant said she knew who you were. What did she mean? And…” He interrupts me.

“Hold on there Padre! I’m not one of your misguided flock that you can flog with your rosary and threaten omnipotent retribution for indiscretions. Just thought we would share philosophies on the complexity of women or maybe discuss a favorite or worst book you’ve read.  I’m not much for sports or political issues. But you want to pick at my psyche, get personal, have me bare my naked soul and we haven’t even gotten off the ground. Not gonna happen Padre.” He speaks without taking a breath.

The airplane begins to make its way down the runway. We are thrusted into the cloudless sky as the ground below shrinks into minute images.

“It’s only the take offs and landings that rattle my nerves.” He says.

The fourth miniature bottle of Scotch meets with his lips and is emptied in one loud gulp. The aircraft levels off at the pilot’s designated altitude and the ding sounds indicating the fasten seat belt light has been turned off. Immediately after, he reaches once again for the Assistance Button and pushes at it with force.

“Gotta find our Angel of Mercy to stoke the fire. Ya ready for another there Padre?” My new best friend askes.

“No, I am just fine at the moment. I’ll wait it out till Phoenix , have a connecting flight to Tucson. They say if ya die in Tucson your soul will have to catch a connecting flight to heaven.” I mentioned.

“Cute, not funny, just cute. And you can spare me your Reader’s Digest witticisms. Save them for the Bingo crowd. Have you always been a servant to your imaginary deity or was there a time when you cut loose? Understand what I’m getting at?” He asks

“Yes I understand and absolutely, I had an abundant supply of  paint when I was younger with which I generously painted many a town red. However the time came around when I wrestled with the ” Better to serve in hell than Reign in heaven” quote. I concluded that I could become more useful as a Priest than as a party  animal” I replied

“Familiar with Milton I see”

“Yes and with Voltaire Candide, Moliere, Rousseau and the entire pack of howling Philosophers.” I state. 

“Quite impressed there Padre Pancho. But I am starting to develop a severe case of doubt concerning you being a man of the cloth. In fact I don’t believe you are a Priest at all or for that matter a Catholic or even a Christian. Where the hell is the Attendant? I am drying out .” He says while looking down the aisle front and back. 

“Would you like me to fetch her for you?” I offer

“I see her in back there readying the drink wagon now. Guess I’ll have to ride out the drought.”

“Here take my other bottle, you need it more than I .” I offer.

He accepts my gift displaying a huge grin.

” I don’t care who the hell you are Padre, you’re okay in my book.”

I’m trying to figure out who this guy could be. He didn’t seem familiar to me at all. I was sure he wasn’t an actor or a famous musician. He couldn’t be a politician like a Senator or Representative. I was leaning toward the Arts, maybe a famous Painter or Film Director. Then it all became obvious to me who this character was and what he did. He was a writer, a famous Author. I was an avid reader of his work since being a fan of Transgressive Fiction. This guy had written a great number of books and was an acclaimed poet as well. 

“Let me introduce myself. I’m Father Santiago. I’m enjoying our time together on this flight. You’re quite the character.” I said.

” Still going with the Father act huh? Well I’m not buying what you’re selling. So is it alright if I just call you Santiago?”

“Sure, Santiago will be just fine.”

As we shook hands he introduced himself. 

” Pleased Santiago . Henry, Henry Chinaski.”