An Ode to the Ides of March

Rev Kane on his first day on the Appalachian Trail

The Ides of March are come, but not gone. ~ William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

I had an incredible English teacher in high school, his name was Francis Sullivan, Sully he was called.  He taught me how to be a better writer, he expanded my reading universe, he showed me culture that honestly I might not have otherwise been exposed to in my life.  By example, he taught me more than a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education ever did.  He also introduced me to the works of William Shakespeare something that I’m eternally grateful for.  The gateway was Julius Caesar, as a 14 year-old kid the murder scene in that play was a great way to get me interested in Shakespeare and the Soothsayer’s prediction of beware the Ides of March always resonated with me, and locked the date March 15th into my head.

March 15th has massive significance in my life.  I’m the only grandchild my maternal grandfather really got to know, he died when I was five and my sister was only 3.   His birthday is March 15th, my cousin, the Smoochy Monster, who I’ve written about was also born on March 15th at 3:15 in the morning.

March 15th for many years has also had another significance for me.  In the California Community College system there is a thing called a March 15th letter.  If your district isn’t going to renew your contract for the next year, they have to inform you on March 15th.  So ending, what turned into an 11 hour workday today, without receiving a March 15th letter is always a slight bit of a victory.  Especially given that I’m someone who comes straight at things, who doesn’t suffer idiots and has a tendency speak truth to power, making it another year is always a relief.

Finally, and the reason for the picture on this post, I started my Appalachian Trail Adventure six years ago today.  It’s amazing that much time has gone by, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I miss it every day.  So for all of these reasons, the Ides of March are very, very special to me. Have a happy Ides my friends. ~ Rev Kane