The Second Hand Man
April 15th, 1966

I was oncecaptain of the Debate Society at college. I also later chaired the localToastmasters Club. So, it is with much stifled frustration that I write thefollowing:

Dear God, howI long to converse properly with someone older; with a person who will take meseriously and consider me intellectually his or her equal. Ironically, I have afar superior intellect than most, yet it is that very fact that has gotten meinto this dire situation. I’m sick and tired of being patronized and spokendown to. I have a serious yearning for decent conversation, and I wish to use aproper mature sophisticated vocabulary while doing it.

It was astroke of genius for me to decide to diarize my second life as I have come torealize a very positive aspect of doing so.

This diarycertainly helps to ease my aggravated state. By notarizing all my problems andannoyances, I am able to gain a certain sense of relief; a lifting of a greatweight from my small shoulders; a catharsis.

I guess you could liken writing these memoirsto regular visits to a psychiatrist. But even more so, these memoirs arecurrently my only true and trusted friend.