An unexpected thing happened today

An unexpected thing happened today.

I buried my anger. I just let go of it.

I went to the Masonic graveside service for Bro. Bozeman this afternoon. It was good to see and shake hands with my brothers today, especially those who were once my friends. I saw the sadness in their eyes and the pain in their hearts as they buried their friend.

It's no secret I didn't like Bro. Bozeman, and it's no secret he didn't like me. He was, in fact, the impetus — I can't say inspiration — for my having created the Burning Taper 20 months ago. ["B.G." in "Small Town Freemasonry Part 4" is Grady Bozeman.]

Forgive. Forget. These seem to be concepts it's time for me to embrace.

While I'll never be one to, as Emerson put it, "capitulate to badges and names, to large societies and dead institutions," I think it's time I do some Work on my own rough ashlar.

I'm taking a break from publishing The Burning Taper. It may be a day, a week, or a month or more; I don't know. I just know it's time to focus my energies elsewhere.

I thank each of you for reading my accumulated rants and ramblings, especially those brothers who disagree with me. I've enjoyed having an audience for my soapbox.

Heads-up to my local brothers: Save me a seat. I'll be back.

The taper still burns, but I buried my anger today.

And we buried a brother today. Rest in peace, Bro. Grady.

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