But My Dreams Gave Me Away!

Really, really good night of mostly ska. Got punched in the back of the head, got decked in the mouth (and cut the inside of my cheek open), knife-handed some dick of a kid in the kidney for punching a girl in the back of the head (which I know from experience hurts a large amount, and will hurt even more tomorrow), watched Pez (drummer for the Heatskores) ruin said kid's life (aka launch him into the ground about as hard as a Pez-type figure could)... And that was just during the Flatliners.

I really don't like the violence in the pit, especially when I'm wearing bowling shoes with no traction, but yet I find it so incredibly fascinating. And it makes me feel really good when I help people up after they've been knocked down... There was this one poor girl who fell behind me, and no one helped her, and I spun around and grabbed her and lifted her, literally just as a boot smashed down where her head had been. She gave me a huge hug and then was gone into the crowd.

Huh, it occurs to me that that is the first time I've hit someone in anger since The Incident. I'm going to let it slide, due to the circumstances and the fact that it's the nature of the show. I'm going to try not to let that happen again. Hell, I don't even push in the pit when I'm able.

So, let's see... I love the STDs, very, very much. The Heatskores were incredible, as always (and their set was not as hard as some they've had). I really, really adore the Expos... There's just something about grooving out by yourself while everyone does the same that makes me happy... You're just dancing for yourself. No one else, just you. No bullshit pushing in the pit, no grudges because some guy hit you, accidentally or not, no worrying that your next step is going to send you flying into the crowd, and no having to make every attempt not to hit the poor girls skanking in front of you, never mind the fact that they're probably ten times tougher than you are. You're just dancing for the shared, communal love of being able to move in time (or not) to the beat. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.

It occurs to me that I made a vow this year... a vow that I would dance more. That I would be happier. That I would bring joy to all those around me. And I haven't been doing well at that lately. And the dancing part... that's where I've gotta start. Dancing heals the soul. And not just that, it... strengthens the soul. So I'm going to start today. Mark my words... the Christopher that used to dance, the Christopher that used to sing, and skip, and be happy... He's making a comeback. He's got a tough slog ahead of him... But he'll be back.

Time to dance. I'll save one for you.