Back to Alexandria.

Today came the day when Benito came back to reclaim Alexandria, VA. He had been there on numerous occasions to escort his then gf, Ms. Yukiko, around. Now, at that time, she had been the fiancee of an aspiring banker and tax-collector. She had laid out her guts on a picnic blanket near the waterfront for Benito to see, explaining about the ex-husband and how he had left her all alone. Now, Benito felt rather alone as his "other Asian friend" had to go to the lab on that day. But he happened to land a parking place in a parking lot near the waterfront on that day and decided that he might as well spend some time there, as he wanted to reclaim the territory for himself, so off he went to seek his fortunes for that day in Alexandria. Now it just so happened that there was a parade going on that day and Benito rejoiced, for he had not seen a parade in quite some time, and this parade turned out to be an Irish one and early celebration of St. Patrick's Day! "What luck have I!" exclaimed Benito to himself and watched as the Scottish bag-pipers, Irish fifers, Revolutionary and current military band, as well as the African-American contingent paraded in front of him. It was quite the sight! The Ambassador's words were heart-warming, moreover, and spoke to that shared experience of all immigrants, and indeed her message was a political one, hoping for major immigration reform within the year. And indeed that was an appeal to Pres. Obama. Indeed, the parade was a kind of show for the Ambassador, who has only been in office for a total of six months, but seems quite congenial, at least that is what Benito thought. Benito stood near a few children, totaling some ten-fifteen kids, who got most of the candy. He was a little late in reaching for a green, St. Patty's Day necklace. The line was pretty long at O'connells, so Benito headed down the street after a time to eat a cupcake in a non-descript locale. He looked out the window and saw a couple going into a restaurant across the way. Too bad Benito did not have a date on this day, but he was satisfied. He went to Starbucks and read a page of the Gide biography of Dostoevsky, who Benito was seeking to emulate in his most recent writings. Indeed, it seemed that Benito sought to imitate whatever he was reading at the time, from Beckett to Joyce and the Russian greats. Nothing seemed to stick in his memory on the day of the parade, so Benito pocketed the book, took his coffee, and exited the Starbucks. He happened to espy an Asian girl who stood seemingly mesmerized there at the end of his time in Alexandria. She followed him out the door and he held it for her. He turned back to receive a smile in thanks from the Chinese girl, but Benito did not seek to start a conversation. She walked up King St. and Benito, turning back, lost her in the crowd. Benito, on the other hand, continued down the road towards his car, tipping his hat to the cops in their own formidable hats as he went. The parking only cost $4, which was to be expected. On a less cold day, he might have read outside by the water, but it was somewhat windy on that day, so Benito was content to go back to Washington via the George Washington Memorial Bridge and continued up the Parkway without a hitch, back home to his little dog and his home near the Park on 16th St. & Colorado avenue. A-men.  <iframe src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/the-undiscovered-hanakuso/widget" width="224px" height="486px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Note: This little work was of course inspired by Herodotus' account of the Battle of Thermopylae, as well as Homer's 'Iliad' and the recent release of the movie based on a comic-strip, "The 300." But the pitching point came when I saw a girl in the bookstore this afternoon looking through a picturebook in the Graphic Arts section of the Barnes & Noble. She was very fully absorbed even at that moment, and I noted that she was indeed very "artsy," having haird dyed in multi-colors. I considered striking up a conversation as I liked all the nude models on the covers of other art tomes, but am naturally intimidated by artsy girls, they being my favorite type, having an especially in particular of which I am very fond back at school. (Perhaps they are all the same?) In any event, I found her again shortly thereafter in the coffee shop and after reading some movie reviews in a local paper, made as if to speak with her from all the way across the room. Yet she had on ear phones, and was highly, nay, completely and utterly absorbed in her drawings. She was apparently an art student, and on her table were not only paper and sketch-books, but books explaining the anatomy of the human body. I thought then of Leonardo and how much his influence carried into the present day. Considered then to question as to these things of which I am most assuredly wholly ignorant. Being a quiet, unobtrusive and respectful boy, howeever, I did not interrupt her so as to disturb her from her moment of certain inspiration. And so I left her, but not before I observed her drawing for a few moments as she sketched the head of a woman, a very distinguished one with high helmet who I took to be the goddess, Athena. Returning to my seat, I decided that I in turn would endeavor, having failed at making her personal acquaintance, to work at my art, namely that of poetry. And so I began this bit of written sketch as an ode to the great Leonitus, a demi-god, as well as Athena, of which I was being reminded of her flashing eyes in my other readings. The artsy girl, by the by, also had a nice anatomy, of which I was well aware, even from a distance. Thank you, my mystery girl, for keeping me on track in my work. If I should ever see you again, perhaps at an exhibition in Georgetown of your works, I would very much like to make your acquaintance and perhaps even colloborate on some illustrated work of poetic verses, such as that of Gustave Dore's "Paradise Lost."

Yooooo!

What up now? What up now?! I'm teaching the ppl'z! For free, now, mind you, but still. As I say, with Tata beside me, the sky's the limit (!). Can't say I'm in love, but still. There's somethong abt working with Tata! She says she wants to be a principal, and open up new schools et al. Well, that's fine by my account! Hell, I'd probably even go with her if she asked! All of this is on the formative phases at the moment with about 200 Burmese refugees and about 2000 total. Yes, there are a few. In any case, it was quite something to teach them, if only for 15 mon's (!) yesterday. They are a gentle ppl and I like them. I shall be getting to know them intimately over the next few days, as I'll be living w them most likely. Well, I'm all for new experiences, as I say! Haha. Well, that's all well and good, but I'd really like to travel to Burma, despite the danger, that is. It seems like a mice country. Perjaps Tata wd agree to act as my guide. You know what they say< the fastest way to learn a new language is to hav a gf who can teach you. Haha. Well, tjat's all one. Soon enough, I'll be chillaxin' in the 'dacks. Oh, the humanity! Well, for now, these refugees need assistance, and I owem the best that I can do! For shizbits. I'm also in Burl, VT which has its perks. Ta has agreed to see 'Harru Potter' avec moi, so that's somwthing to look fwd to, for shore! Again, I was sorry not to make it to Tirbos wwddimg, but dirty called! Haha. That's all one. There was something abt teaching those refifees w Ta at my side. Can't say it's love, but somethong more magical (!) takes place when in the company of tjese ppl. God bless them & God bless the Inited States of Amweica!

VT: Burlington & Beyond

Now at the appointed place at the appointed hour for meeting Tata, so to discuss my future. Should be good! If the refygees have my back, then who knows where I will go or what I will do?! The sky's the limit! How in the world. These guys sitting next to me are having this chat about the women outside. Haha. Wait 'til they see Tata (!). Well, we'll see. Sge seems pretty busy these days, as well as purrrrty. :) well, it's all for the sake of the Burmese. First, there was the Japan fubdraiser. Now this. Hmm. I wonder what I'll do next. Who knows. Maybe I'll start my own school like Bill off in Burma. Hmm. Could be enticing! Wait for more from the Asian Kingdom! Hehe. I wonder where Tata could be. Tata for now!

Peace,
B.