Life is one massive chain of first experiences, each of which defines a life, personality, and career.
First air taken deep into infantile lungs. First vibrations of vocal chords to mewl an announcing cry to the world. First soft caress of a warm blanket on cold, pale skin. First eye-to-eye contact with a woman and unconditional love, a man and a role model.
First pets of the silky fur and listens to the silky purr of the family cat. First tastes of ice creams and cakes, first jubilant celebration of yearly maturation. First days of kindergarten in those brightly colored halls, first argument over construction paper, first lesson in sharing and social conscience.
First falls from bikes and skateboards, first hospital visits, first fractures. First sleepovers with hushed whispers of crushes and curses, first explorations into friendship, secrets, trust. First bright red uniform with name and number on the back, first goal slipped deftly past the opposing keeper. First rush of adrenaline and pride, first surge of self-worth from being the one that won the game for the team.
First girlfriend, first kiss; a redhead named Robin on a soccer field near the school. First loves tangled in raw emotions, juvenile jealousy, and lack of experience. First scalds from the burn of teenage romance. First realizations that heartache is closer to stomachache as the acid churns in time with emotion. First longing. First lament.
First diplomas, first sweet and sour taste of independence. First painful understanding of the price of excess, first successful triumph over the thumping regrets of a hangover. First true appreciation for academics. First brief flash of a hand-forged future.
First job, first sole accountability and lone responsibility. First bosses, quick but calculating, first coworkers, slow but kind. First feelings of financial helplessness. First major disillusionment and questioning if there is more.
First time following dreams beyond the comfortable, first time embracing doing something just for the sake of doing it. First few readers, first few comments, first few encouraging words to make the work worthwhile.
First heartfelt words of admiration from a mentor. First glowing praise from peers. First moment, albeit small, where the world seems within grasp, where imagination can be reality with enough work and ingenuity.
First publication. First award. First communication with other successful professionals. First time acknowledging that good work leads to good people that leads to good times.
First delivery of free beer on the doorstep.
First moment of thinking it’s all a dream, then realizing you’re wide awake.
I can’t figure out if this is a poem or an essay. You can imagine the jealousy.
It’s a possy? It’s an essem? I honestly don’t know either, but it was hella fun to write.
Those look tasty. I await your fine reviews.
wow. and how were they?
All very, very good. Still have one left; saving it for a special occasion 🙂
A very eloquent way of saying, “Hey folks! I just scored a bunch of free beer!” Love your sophistication.
🙂 I’m just glad I don’t come across as a crazy person. Thanks for reading!
Congrats to you on all of those milestones, Oliver!!! But you are now one of my heroes for getting beer legitimately delivered to your doorstep. Avery is for real, man. Tried their stuff in Austin a few years back at Opal Divine’s on Sixth. Happy quaffing, Oliver!!!
I have only very positive things to say about Avery. All of this beer is phenomenal.
Reblogged this on Proper_Pour.
Reblogged this on Proper_Pour.
Thanks for the reblog!
Glad to do it!
This is a beautiful post, Oliver. Very smooth – wonder if the brew is as well? I especially liked this riff: “First brief flash of a hand-forged future” Sweet!
You may have just pointed out the title of my thesis.
Oh man — we need titles, too!
Haha yep, still struggling with mine. Did you do your abstract/intro/bio?
Working on them now. May not get the intro done; the rest is in the can.