Interview with a vampire

Did somebody say to write about control? Did somebody ask about fear? I'm afraid so. Who better to pontificate on the point than today's guest, the phantom of fear himself, Count Effluvium Ginormus Overtopster.

May I call you ego for short?

I prefer that I forever be known as I, me, myself, the Big Kahuna, Top Dog, Numero Uno, the Commander in Chief or the Decider. I'm sure you won't mind. In fact, you'll come to love me as none other than yourself.

Are you big and bad?

Of course not, I simply have a neverending job to do.

Which is?

To protect you.

From?

Lions, tigers and bears.

But I don't see any wild animals.

Boo!

Seriously, there's nothing dangerous going on.

What's that sound? Who's hiding in the closet? What's around the corner? What if? What then? What next?

Are you trying to change the subject?

All the time! See my sleights of hand? Judgment, control, planning, defense, intellect, memory. Hey! Remember that time you walked home in the dark and that stranger came close and . . . Remember when you were six and the dog barked and . . . Look before you leap! Better safe than sorry!

You're trying to scare me.

I like to stay busy! And look at all the nifty defense mechanisms I brought with me: denial, displacement, intellectualization, fantasy, projection, rationalization, reaction formation, regression, repression, sublimation, blah, blah, blah. I can't wait to use one after the other. I never go anywhere unless I'm armed to the teeth.

You never go anywhere?

I prefer to stay in control right where I am. In fact, why don't you go upstairs into that dusty attic surrounded by all those old, familiar things and I'll lock you in where you are safe and secure.

Secure from what?

The outside, you silly! Didn't you notice it's getting dark? Didn't you notice it's getting light? Didn't you notice all those ominous changes? The threatening signs? Didn't you notice that those people over there are looking at you? Didn't you notice everyone is talking about you? Better get up there and not move an inch. Entrust me with your life!

But it's my house and there's no one else here and you're the only one talking.

Yes, and I wish you'd straighten up and set some standards! Fresh towels would be nice.

Why don't you shut up?

Why don't you try to make me?

This is my Halloween prank, but for a real scare, see what happens when ego rules the so-called free world.

In a variation on trick-or-treat, this is Grab Bag week at Cheerio Road. I'll let your comments ignite the topic I take up each day. If there isn't a gust from you – a question, a comment, a change in direction – we'll just have to sit through the wait. At the end of the week, there'll be a goodie at the bottom of the bag.