Ch 2: Walking on Guilded Splinters

--Dr. John, The Night Tripper
Cajun/Voodun Chant

My name is Simon Henderson. I was born on the Winter Solstice, December 21, 1945. On the cusp of Saggitarious and Capricorn. It's tricky place to walk the fence, but I maintain that my essence is purely Saggitarian. The artist. Transmutable. The visionary teacher. Temperance is my card in the Tarot.

As I've grown older I feel the inner goat butting it's way out. I am camelian. All colors are possible. I don't want to go there just yet, however. I'm too in love with centaurs to become a fishtail.

My mother was 17 and my father was 32 when I was born at Labette County Hospital in Parsons, Kansas. It was a bleak December day. She was in labor for 16 hours which rather soured her attitude toward me for the rest of her life.

Barbara Jean Hames was my mother's maiden name. I was named after my father and a long line of samename patriarchial Hendersons, all named Richard Wallace.

Was it that there were no baby name books available 58 years ago? I think not. Just stuck in a "we've always named our firstborn male child, Richard Wallace". Boring. Though I am quite proud these days to be reminded of my ancient Scottish Heritage, little is known of this kilted clansman except that he was a legendary Scottish military leader and patriot (1272-1305). At least he had the balls to wear a dress.

Mary, Queen of Scots, was another distant ancestor. She lost her head, so to speak, to Queen Elizabeth I, of England. So much for my noble blood line.

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