So Be It ...

 

"I'm not really sure which parts of myself are real and

which parts are things I've gotten from books."

Beatrice Sparks

There was a span in my life where I swore off all fiction and devoted myself to non-fiction.  It stayed this way for a few years.  I wanted to select factual data that would 'wow' me, and so it did.  What is the saying, "Fact can be scarier than fiction?"

Khalil Gibran's poetry moved me and his personal history intrigued me.  He brought to my attention the work we produce when in darkness and the love we create in the light.   Albert Einstein introduced me to his long history of reaping wisdom from his dreams.  He challenged me to document more and dream bigger.  Histories of Native Americans led me to honor and respect the culture they offered and the horror impressed upon them.  Documented torture of the Jewish people began a more objective look at cruelty beyond imagination.

Fiction was a gift returned to me at retirement.  Once again, I was filled with characters who gave me more hope than current politicians or religious leaders.  Magical stories of wonderment pique my interest and fill me with hope.  Fiction a means of escape?l  So be it.