Ode To Mr Cave

As I journeyed along the countryside on a makeshift road off the main highway, I came upon two elderly gentlemen sitting together at a fork of that road. I introduced myself to Jack Cave and John Mine whose names befitted their dwellings. Mr. Mine only said that he was well contented living in his camper at the entry of an old now closed silver mine. On the contrary, Mr. Cave had a lot to say about his delightful dwelling in a cave as he related these words to me with great passion and sincerity:* "Young fellow, I am a man of the cave. Caves speak to me of places below the high and lofty things, or, as I would say, large huts tucked away and out of sight, in 'bother-me-not-places' of simple privacy. In the cave is where I'm most at home. It best suits my comfort zone, but it's not something of recent origin, because I have always coveted my personal space and time. It need not be so, but I fear you are trying, not to make a better me, but rather another you. In this cave vernacular, it's not a reference to the garage or a work/play station out back, although such a place is also a vital part of the big picture of the 'great getaway'. You see, the man-cave is a physical place, but 'Being in the Cave' is a much bigger venue because it's a state of mind, a way of life, a shield of defense from the fast-moving world of modernity. I understand that the world has ascended to high mountain tops of advancements from which it is impossible to descend. I applaud these achievements, but I am in a season where I can advance without many of them. I'm not a member of the Amish Community, but I do not own a smartphone. I'm not antisocial, but I want a life uncomplicated and unencumbered with unnecessary gadgetry. I was born with a reasonable measure of freedom, and I want more of it. I have a flip phone, and I often refer to it as a dumb phone because it's not 'the smart' variety, but I prefer it that way. And remember, even though I might be in the cave, you can still visit and call me anytime you like. But please don't try to email, text, or message me". 032620PoSpCtest, Strand Choice X, Braine Strand *Fiction