Lineman -

I am a lineman.

My life is defined by lines. Limited by lines. Operated inside of lines.
I was trained that one could not ride this ride if one was not taller than the line.
If you don't measure up to the line, you cannot even board the ride.

Some of my lines are imposed upon me. Some I have painted myself.
Some lines are comfortable. Some lines are infuriating. Some lines are unfair.
Some lines have no explanation. Some lines belong to other people, but affect me anyway.

My line collection includes:
The college educated line
The over 40 line
The out of shape line
The lawyer line.

Many of my lines are my own private lines. My lines are set by me, measured by me and operated by me without input from other people.

Over the last months, I have moved back and forth across some lines. Some lines have been moved without me being told. Some lines that I thought I had painted over are still there. Line movement is unfair, as it requires you to be remeasured; especially when you have finally been able to ride the ride.

God has no lines.

Sometimes, I feel that I can move around without the lines.

I do know that I need better paint to paint out the lines that I no longer want to stand behind.

November, 2002