I noticed it was what was on his shirt as I approached. He was probably about 16. I stopped him, there in the Roseville Public Library, by the entrance.

“Do you actually seize the day?” I inquired.

“What?” He was clearly startled by this random stranger, accosting him in the middle of a public place.

I noticed he had braces. The glasses made him look like he was right out of Superbad. My glasses had gold rims in those days.

“Your shirt. ‘Carpe Diem’ means ‘Seize the Day.’”

“Oh, I guess,” he stammered, put off by my direct question. Maybe he was unaware?

“You definitely should.” My answer was direct, and with the confidence of someone either used to random encounters with strangers, or not in his right mind. I leave it for him to decide!

Life is very short and more often than not, you let other people and circumstances dictate yours.

I wonder if he will consider the slogans on his shirts?