Let the Music Soothe

This is for all my droogies who are having a tough time finding their holiday spirit (A.D., I'm thinking of you):

Let It Snow

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Bad Dream

I had a bad dream. It was the kind where you aren't completely sure what's going on--you don't know much. It's like you're being smothered and you can't determine the cause--or even if you're being smothered at all. During the sleepy battle you become partially awake and try to resist--half in your dream and half in reality. Your physical struggle starts to take over and the dream begins its transition to consciousness. You writhe and squirm until you break free. The binds of sleep are shrugged off and you pull your body to awareness clumsily.
    Then, when I open my eyes and reach up to my face, I find Boyo fast asleep with his body draped across my neck.

Everyone Should Eat

I watched him weave through the parking lot of the hardware store, stopping everyone who would listen—most did, some didn't. I watched them listen intently, patiently—a few of them fumbled for change, others didn't. I suppose they don't really know what to do or how to react. Perhaps people generally aren't sure of the integrity of others asking for change; for help. It's likely that most people who are approached don't want to be duped—they don't want to seem as though they are contributing to a person's addiction or vice. Perhaps some are just embarrassed and don't want others to see their reaction, they just look for the quick exit.
    The man approaches me and begins his monologue, but I don't understand much of it—English is not his first language and I keep asking him to repeat things. I managed to understand bits and pieces, but it was enough:
... from Cuba ...
... need money ...
... hungry ....

He was dressed well—not business attire, but he wasn't wearing old, ripped clothes. It's -5 degrees (23 for you non-metrics) and he had a coat, boots, hat and gloves. I judged him immediately, but, whether or not his story was true, I could not say. I tell him I'm sorry because I have no cash and planned to use my credit card in the hardware store. He says okay, okay my friend and looks for another soul. I thought about him all through the store. "What am I doing?" I thought. After my hardware purchases, I drove to a sandwich shop that accepted credit/debit. I drove back to the parking lot and found him on his way out. I told him that I bought him a sandwich with my credit card and handed it over. He reached out for it with both hands: one accepted the ham and cheese; the other clasped my now empty hand and shook it vigourously. Again, bits and pieces:
... thank-you ...
... my friend ...
... my friend ...
... god bless ...

I do car fix ...
... metal fix ...
I work on Queensway shop.
... if need help, see me, I fix for you.

I tell him thanks, but I won't likely need help (my car is a 2007). I think he knew this but wanted to return the favour in kind. I got the sudden urge to leave and hang my head; to catch my breath. We parted and as I drove off I could see his smiling teeth, it didn't make me happy. Instead I drove on with a heavy head.
    Whether or not you believe his story isn't really the point—you aren't being asked to judge either, just whether or not to give. Besides, everyone should eat. Everyone.

From the Mouth of Boyo

I overheard Boyo say, while playing with The Bug's bicycle light:

I'm a bad god and I kill you—ddvvv, ddvvv! (Some sort of laser noise.)

"What!? Boyo, what did you say?"
"I said, 'I'm a bad dog and I scare you. Raa-a-ar rar. Ddvv, ddvv!'"
"Oh, okay, never mind then. Carry on."

My ears aren't working properly—the holiday stress must be getting to me.

Teamwork

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Word Up

This one is for all you logophiles out there and you know who you are!
These Free Rice people run this site for the betterment of English vocabulary and at the same time hope to feed some people. Read all about it and make your own decisions. (The World Food Programme seems to think that they are for real.) Freerice.com is a sister site to Poverty.com

I didn't fare as well as I had intended, but I expect no one has the temerity to traduce me over my lexicon.

Good luck! Now go here: