Around the age of 8, after being told it was time to go to bed, I decided to fight the power, and refused. After a little debating, I presented the idea that I shouldn't have to do anything I didn't want to do. My father then explained the only thing I have to do is die, and that if I didn't get my ass in bed ASAP, it would be sooner rather than later.
I had been more or less aware of my own mortality at that point, but I hadn't ever really contemplated it. I quickly came to the conclusion that since I didn't recall having cognitive thought or a sense of awareness before birth, I would no longer have them after dying. This upset me greatly for several days.
I went to bed, but I didn't sleep particularly well....
__________________
Around the ancient track march'd, rank on rank,
The army of unalterable law.
|