PAY UP OR PAY DOWN

Man oh man. Money oh none. Why do we depend so much on the big bad green machine? Oh ya, because it gets us things we need to survive. But does it, really? What do we need to survive these days? Food. Yes. This costs money. Unless you can grow your own vegetable garden and rear your own cattle. But that costs cash to get going. And some land. And water, patience and time. And maybe some employees. Fuck. Shelter. Find a nice big tree and some soft grass and hope it doesn't rain or get cold. Or too hot. Or snow. Or asked to leave because you're passed out face down on somebodies front lawn. Shoes. Shoes cost money and are key, especially if you are walking. Or standing. Or running. Or speed walking. Or jumping. Or even sitting on uneven ground. Shoes can be expensive as well, unless you stupidly shimmy up a telephone poll or start collecting discarded singles from the side of the road. Love. Love is necessary for survival and, according to legend is free, has power, hurts, is addictive, everlasting and a 'temporary madness' as St. Augustine puts it. Sure, true love may seem free but you still have to pay something to find it. A few drinks at the bar, some money into the collections basket, a ten dollar beer at your favourite gentleman's club, or a nice dinner at an even nicer restaurant. Shit. What about sex? If love isn't free then sex certainly isn't. And sex is key for survival. You might be able to survive solely on sex. No food, water, shelter or beer? That's okay, 'cause you got sex, so you're okay. Huh? Anyways, what else is needed to survive these days? Peace of mind? Stability? Friends? Happiness? A reliable vehicle? No. That's where the shoes come in. If you move your legs and use your mind and eyes to direct your body - you can get places. For free. (unless you're really tired or its far away) No gas, just blood. No tune-ups, just breathing. No bald tires, just blisters and planters warts. But really, are any of these necessities free? When it comes down to the nitty grittiness of life, aren't we paying everyday with our mere existence. To be alive is to pay, so maybe nothing is free. Death is free. Because as long as we have mortal thoughts, we may never be free - from ourselves.