ceiling; I’ll never be a genius. I thought I could win big at Atlantic City in 1999 and buy my fiancée a nice ring. Or use my earnings to buy a round trip ticket to India on Aeroflot economy minus class. I had dreams of grandeur at the Showboat, but I lost nearly a grand. I later wanted to visit Vegas. I promised to limit my hubris and run away with chump change. I knew I didn’t have the mettle, or capital, to bet big. Though I often thank the Creator of the Cosmos for not blighting me with calamity, I also peevishly reflect on the multitude of instances when I lost minor battles. But I keep marching. My karma is manageable. Just like my Blackjack. I briskly walked with my head down, but not due to despondency. I was mesmerized by the tessellating pattern of the casino carpet that appeared as a blurry kaleidoscope as I dashed forward. I also was titillated by the faint smell of perfume mixed with tobacco smoke wafting through the perfectly symmetric arena of fool’s paradise. The shiny slot machines beckoned me to return but their eager chiming faded into the background as I headed for the outdoor parking lot. My cadence naturally hastened as the cold air of the real world cruelly greeted me. I fumbled for my keys as I approached my car, but before I got in, I realized I had ignored the sage advice of a messenger. Today was not meant to be. I should have stayed home. I should have gone to the temple to praise the Protector. Or read Emma. I should await another fine morning and start again, and not grumble about the minor daily misfortunes. Plan for tomorrow, and forget today. I noticed a V-shaped white mark on my windshield. Bird droppings. It must have been there before, but I ignored it. My arrogance blinded me to the warning. Nature can be fierce, but we must embrace it. We must navigate cautiously. But sometime in the future when I have a day to escape, I will muster all my remaining courage to venture forth. And I will tell no one. Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, Monte Carlo. They await the arrival of an insignificant man. But for now, as far as Foxwoods is concerned, quoth the Raven, nevermore. Notice from Doctor on another bleak day, December 19, 2020 UPAHAAR 2021 উপহার ১৪২৮ 12
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