The old scavenger's nights on the platform between our two side porches are frequently fitful and disturbed. I often hear him sighing, moaning, and mumbling sadly to himself.

I have noticed, over my 71 years in this lifetime, that old men are haunted by the shortcomings, failures, transgressions, broken dreams, and losses of their youth. I believe this is the result of their religiosity.

They have yet to learn from me to be free of mind and spirit, to live life to the fullest, to have fun, to regret nothing, to feel guilty about nothing, to be ashamed of nothing, and to fear nothing, for nothing is permanent, and that includes heaven, hell, and every conceivable authority on earth.