From the skulls of my enemies, I drink my morning coffee...

 

Scott Casteel

June 21, 2016  · Phoenix, AZ  ·

It's very early in the morning. I agreed to help a friend and cover his shift. It is so early in the morning that God is not even awake yet. I drag myself out of bed mumbling various expletives under my breath as I go let the dog out. Knowing it was going to be an early start, I prepped the coffee maker the night before and all I had to do was grind the beans and push a button. So simple, even a cave man could do it. With only one eye open and working, I could hear that magical serenade of the hissing and gurgling as the clear flavorless liquid was being transformed into a steaming sense of reality. With the dog having been let out, there was only one morning chore left undone... my morning constitutional in the executive reading room.

With that same eye still not working yet, I sat near motionless as I pondered the meaning of life while attempting to peruse the same magazine for the 976th time, as if I was to glean any great wisdom that could not be found in the previous 975 times.  My time of reflection and pondering came to a startling halt as I was attacked by a giant pterodactyl. It came out of nowhere and made a circle of death around the room as if it were claiming its territory. Horrified and screaming like a girl, I sat paralyzed knowing fully well that the exhaust fan was sending my screams of terror out to a cold and uncaring universe. With no hope of backup, I had to make a decision; twas it gonna be fight or flight?

 It doesn't matter how many marathons a person has run or how many bad guys have been chased down, there is no quick escape when your chonies are down around your ankles. The decision was now left to fate. I must fight for my life with two working eyes and an old magazine, I prepared to defend my sanctuary. As insectus pterodactus made a direct frontal assault, I swing the tool of mass destruction with a swift overhead two handed broad stroke resulting in a direct miss. My now keen razor-sharp vision locks into the flying menace like the radar on a F-35. I use an overhead sideways S stroke that delivers on target. Like thunder in a mountain canyon, the impact sends this prehistoric creature spiraling to a certain death. As the carnage spills out on the floor, I puff up with pride knowing my manhood is still intact. My training and experience have taught me it is not over until it is over.  I throw the old magazine on top of the beast until I can assure death and victory. With a crunch and a pop, it is all over but the celebrating. As the adrenaline rages through my body, I spin around like a whirling dervish. About halfway through my second spin I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and realize, I just don't look good naked anymore.

 

Choosing to forgo the tradition of drinking from the skull of my enemy, I clean the carnage like a crime scene technician. Systematically removing the bits and pieces and the nasty bug juice and provide my worthy foe with a swirling burial at sea.  I strut pridefully from the battleground to start the day with both eyes wide open and working.

Being a man that knows the importance of caring for those that care for them, I quietly sneak in to kiss my beautiful princess bride before I head out to whatever battles await me. As I tip toe into the still darkened room to plant a gentle reminder of my affection, I trip over the dog and do a flying screaming body slam as I land on her royal highness. Barely awakened she thanks me for the kiss, wishes me a good day and goes back to sleep. Chasing the sunrise, I make my way to the salt mines. Just beyond the point of no return while still basking in the glory of my victory, I realize, I never did get that cup of coffee. Just sayin'.

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