Of Empty Box Cars, Women, Etc.

I'm editing and preparing for publication a new project by K.C. Bacon, a staple-author in RBP's lineup.

Half or more of the manuscript is dedicated to his collection of 100 Aphorisms, representing some the Tacoma artist/poet's most dynamic work to date.

Aphorisms are as old as writing, and no doubt date to the first development of spoken languages. The handy and true aphorism begets a concise view packed with explosive meaning, opinion, and certainty.

In the hands of an artist, an aphorism crystallizes thought, revealing the complexity of human nature, and just as importantly, the author's belief system and personal tastes.

A good aphorism is seamless. Masters of the form make the work look easy. But, of course, it is not.

Here is Bacon on a variety of subjects:

A man who makes a religion of science is the Pope of
his own ideas.

No one needs God more than the atheist.

Growing old is watching a speeding train pass with
empty boxcars.

A woman is superior to a man only when the opposite
is true.

Self-knowledge is a fantasy made real by the necessity
of living with others.

If you want to hear the truth about yourself, ask a stranger.

An intimate conversation is what happens between two people needing the last word.

Giving moral advice to a friend is building them a shrine and using the cheapest materials.

The ignorant and the erudite might admire the same politician, but only the ignorant has good reason for it.

We are never at a loss for words when speaking to the deaf.



TS