farmdoc's blog post number 124

In Farmdoc’s Blog a recurring theme is heroes. My dictionary defines a hero variously as someone distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength, the principal character in a play/movie/novel/poem, and someone who fights for a cause. My heroes are mostly fighters for causes. I see them as role models. I admire them for doing what I can’t. And then there are superheroes. Whilst supermodels rise from the ranks of mere models, superheroes, being mythical, are not derived from mere heroes. Wikipedia defines superheroes as fictional characters of unprecedented physical prowess dedicated to acts of derring-do in the public interest; and it lists superheroes’ common traits, common costume figures, secret headquarters and much more. There’s a website that offers a quiz to determine which superhero you are most similar to. Amazingly it’s had over 27,000,000 visitors since 31 August 2005. I couldn’t resist the test, and I’m delighted I’m a 100% match for Superman. Oh how I’d love to fly, have x-ray vision, deflect bullets, and be supremely strong and morally unblemished. I wish. But as I get older I feel more, not less, vulnerable. Which is why the marvellous song The Cape by Guy Clark is a favourite of mine: ‘Life is just a leap of faith. Spread your arms and hold your breath, and always trust your cape.’