Sublime

the older cats would always be pullin’ me aside to drop some advice. The phrase that they’d all say—everyone from Count Basie, to Coleman Hawkins, to Benny Carter—was, “Youngblood, step into my office for a few ticks. Let me pull your coat” (slang for “Come over here. Let me teach you something.”).

You are killing me, fish, the old man thought. But you have a right to. Never have I seen a greater, or more beautiful, or a calmer or more noble thing than you, brother. Come on and kill me. I do not care who kills who.

When we’re young, every imaginary battle ends with heroics. Finales come with a bang. Then you get older, and you see that life ends in wrinkles and whimpers.

“How old would you say he is?” she asked.

An old man, I want only peace. The things of this world mean nothing. I know no good way to live and I can’t stop getting lost in my thoughts, my ancient forests. The wind that waves the pines loosens my belt.

“Dad, when you figure it, I’m only five years younger than you,” Shi Xiaoming said, wiping tears from the corners of his eyes. “Not bad, kiddo. I was afraid some damn white-bearded old man would be calling me Dad,” Shi Qiang said with a chuckle. Then he introduced Luo Ji to his son. “Oh, Dr. Luo. You used to be world famous,” Shi Xiaoming said, as