Looking Back on a Wasted Life (Satire

Ah, those wild, wasted, days of youth. Sneaking reads between classes…hanging out at the seedy library on the edge of town…some of the wilder members of our group were even into thinking. Shocking I know.

Readers, they called us. Our parents always warned us that we might amount to something if we kept on going down this path…but did we listen? No. We were rebels. We just kept on learning and discussing diverse viewpoints in a respectful manner. Yeah. Sad I know. I guess that’s why they called us the bad kids…the losers…looking back on it now, I guess they were right.

My parents were so square though. They still believed in censorship and segregation…believe it or not. We just couldn’t go along with their old fashioned ideas..they just weren’t cool, you know. Sigh.

We should’ve been like everybody else and started drinking and fighting…at least then we wouldn’t have spent our lives being productive. Well, I guess we all have our regrets…sigh. if only I could go back in time and do things over…if only…

“Um. Mister President. You’re on the air.”

The words of my aide penetrated my brain, prompting my awakening.

“Oh sorry, I was just daydreaming. A nightmare.” I said, taking in the sight of cameras around me. Lights were flashing and everyone was loudly demanding my immediate attention. Or was this the real nightmare? I couldn’t tell.

A microphone was shoved before. “What would you like to say our 175 million viewers?” A voice somewhere beyond the blinding studio lights was demanding an answer.

I thought for a moment. “Oh yes, I’d just like to say…to say….Turn off the tv and read a book.”

“You can’t be serious!”

“I can be whatever I want to be, I’m the president.” I smiled into the camera. Thankful that I still had a little of the old rebel in me.

I hope I never lose it.