St. Elsewhere

John Lennon once said “imagine”, but I’m not sure this is what he meant.

The world would have to change. So I imagine a time where civilization is on the brink of collapse..after a crisis of some sort. My personal favorite is a plague, like 28 Days Later.

So our little group sets forth, some crew come and go, but Pandas Wang is forever. We enlist the aid of master architects and construct a marvelous ship. Its the size of a decent frigate. Bigger than, say, the Black Pearl, but nothing like a galleon. After many weeks of debate, we settle on a name.

Pandas Wang sets sail aboard St. Elsewhere.

Now, underneath the wooden exterior is a metal frame to support it. Very lightweight, nonetheless. Also included is a stereo system and a small theatre, etc. Because, honestly, you can’t live without film and music.

We are unbeatable. We prey on pirates and brigands, as well as the remnants of corporate fleets. We are Robin Hood afloat.

We spend our days however we wish. Be it writing, singing, sleeping, doing the mandatory work such as cleaning and cooking, and enjoying each day as it comes. We often spar, meditate, discuss the questions that have always beset mankind. At night, we play music. From blues to rock to beatboxing, we sit around the ship and jam.

But every now and again, we must go ashore, if for no other reason than to satisfy our lust for adventure.We often get swept up in epic and glorious adventures involving battles, samurai, bats, the force, and rebellion. We live the realities that men dream of. And we are content.

Our needs are immaterial. We care not for money or possessions. What we seek is freedom, exhilaration, the caress of the wind in our hair, the cool waters around our feet, and a place for our names in history.

So here’s to the crew as I imagine them.

Jarrett is the mast. Not literally, but..well. Literally.

Luke is there, bringing that country feel to our ship with his harmonica, as well as the epic with a rousing speech.

Wil sits on a barrel, strumming his banjo and occasionally commandeering the stereo system so as to blare his horrid Lil Wayne.

Tanner is there, cracking jokes, teaching me guitar, and aiding us as the strongman.

Lee continuously improving our systems, keeping everything in check.

Byron sits aloof, pitching in when needed, but keeping most thoughts to himself.

Anna and Luke dance the salsa under the eye of Ross and his bitches.

I rest in a corner, taking in it all and writing it down. So never was there so much joy-simplistic, pure joy-in the eyes of men as I imagine there being there.

And when the sea breeze envelops you, you can close your eyes and imagine what Heaven would be like.