Paper Rings

Whatever happened to men? Where is Gary Cooper “the strong silent type”? Where is the determination of Johnny Cash in making his own mistakes over and over again and the message of his black outfits? When did you last hear a man saying: “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do?” or: “I need some Frank...”? Men were all black and white back in those days, they wore fedora hats, suits and grew a mustache, they smoked cigars and didn’t apologize for it; they literally took it with a smile and what’s more important, they meant it! Then all of a sudden, Chris Isaak comes along with his pretty boy look and pointy nose, romancing songs like “solitary man” without being the least bit convincing and it bugs a man, a real man I mean, because that’s the image that women wanted, the image they’ve created for us and like in the free market of stocks, the world of “offer and demand” it all works against us. “Get in touch with your feminine side”, or “be more sensitive” we hear, well that’s what we did and look where it got us! We’ve invented the term “metrosexual” We’re dying our hair and painting our fingernails, we’re whipping out rings to “don’t wannabe brides” the first chance we get and we’re getting shot down by the dozen! Get a hold of yourselves men and put your hat back on, drink your scotch straight, your bourbon with ice; listen to blues and “all that jazz” and keep that soft spot in your heart but don’t ever show it. It’s a sign of weakness. Listen to your instincts, they will guide you to the most alluring prey and once you’ve conquered and commitment is just around the corner, “just say no”! The prey becomes the hunter if you have played your hand right and from there on its easier than a walk in the park, isn’t it a paradox? That’s who we are and don’t you forget it! “Love” is truly a small word for some, a small time thing and a paper ring. It can be pink and white and brown and black and all just the same. Broads do have it lucky; they have it easier convincing themselves that the man next to them is “the right on” be it as it may, just live fast and live short because life is long enough and if love be a game, let it be your favorite game.