I held it once, for only a short while. I had it right in my hands. I’m still not sure if it escaped my grasp or if I intentionally let it go. I'll tell you this though, if there's a chance in hell to just touch it for a brief moment once again, I’d consider myself a lucky man. I bet there’s plenty more sorry bastards out there just like me who screwed up their opportunity without knowing at the time what they had. Ya and it’s not like the Good Humor Man that comes around the block every day. It’s a rare and random happening, like finding money in the street or a cop giving you a break.

Do ya wanna know what really pisses me off? I’ve known some dopes, real jerks, who I believe are far less deserving of this gift than me. And what happened to them? It fell right in front of them, landed at their feet! Did they appreciate what they had? Hell no! Evidently it came so easily without exerting any effort, they thought it wasn’t anything of value. So they wore it out, used it up and wasted its affection.

Now you think about this. There are those who search their entire life hoping to experience the enchantment embodied in a single breath of its mystic charm. Creating a need so overwhelming it can manifest into an obsession. Some may fall victim to madness from endlessly searching and never come close to capturing the wonder.

There were times when I could hear its faint song seducing me with a melody of enticement playing in the distance. By the time I realized the music was for me it had stopped.

It has been the theme of poems, novels, stories, plays and movies all declaring the fascination it embraces. However it hasn't always been the donor of dazzling adoration. There have been instances of its dark side causing dreadful, god awful, heart wrenching emotional misery and torment. Some are regretful it had ever entered their lives. Others believe it may have been a curse placed upon them. This occurs only when it is received without true intentions.

I pray the heavens will bestow a blessing upon me by granting another chance for which I'd trade my soul. If there is a next time believe me things will be different. Now who am I fooling? What makes me think I am someone that deserves to possess such a precious gift? Maybe I'm just not meant to have it for my own or I've used up my only chance. Most likely the reason is because I’ve never been very good with that kind of stuff.

By Judge Santiago Burdon

From: Costa Rica