In a time when falsehood rings true, I am still going about my daily business with my newfound flame and compass. The images of the nameless and the stifled are still around me but I proceed with this faint vision of a time when my wisdom and raison d'etre are in a position to challenge, to disarm, to disturb, to bring hope.

Last night, I thought it was just a passing fancy, like one of those mental flashes which urge you to hop on the next bus to catch an elusive film screening or a coveted shoe sale. Or giving the last five pesos in your pocket to that persistent babe you consistently ignored. I thought, well, sleep might put this to rest.

In that battlefield that is my bed, where lines are drawn, nixed, redrawn, regretted, blurred like sand, I woke up, putting last night's flash to the test.

It's still there. It wasn't a dream.

Time for epitaphs.

April 2004: My friend, you remained true to your word. I promise to continue to be your rock.
February 2006: Because of you, my friend, I learned many things about myself, things I apparently knew from Day One but consistently ignored and disbelieved. If only for those, I will be forever grateful.

One more year, indeed. One more year.

Wow, that is cause for celebration.