I initially became (vaguely) aware of the "goth" scene while still attending My first high school. There were only a small number of kids who were plainly of that ilk, and I became friends with some of them. Through these strange individuals I was introduced to the music of The Smiths, Christian Death and Joy Division. The music was really great, but I was drawn more to these kids singular (as far as I knew at the time) aesthetic. I can't really pigeon-hole their style as simply "goth", there being strong leanings toward the old mod look. Basically, the whole button-up long sleeved shirt,

slacks and tie ensemble...all black, of course. Very Ian Curtis. They struck Me as very sophisticated in their manner and attire, but it wasn't until I was enrolled at My second high school that I worked My own image into that field of style.

Within the confines of My new environment I pretty much walked the line between metalhead and goth boi, but it didn't take long before placing both feet firmly on the latter path. Thanks to a few new aquaintances I had finally been exposed to more of that sub-culture's brand of music and developed a real taste for it. I also found a growing appeal for the more elegant and artsy dress-sense of the scene that occupied this side of town. Over the next several years I became more involved with the scene, frequenting a club called The Nile Theater every weekend.

The Nile...it was a total dive, but it was a big part of My life during those years. I became happily immersed in the decadent lifestyle and beauty offered up by the Nile Theater goth-scene and it's regular attendees. Many friends (and a few passive enemies) were made, a satisfactory amount of sex indulged and My fair share of lsd and alcohol imbibed. I even met My first wife at the Nile, though that proved to be a short relationship, ending on My 21st birthday.

Good times and bad, I eventually withdrew from the core of it all. I enjoyed MySelf, but I think I just grew out of it for the most part. I do miss it at times, though. I suppose the biggest turn off was when the Mansonites rolled in and took over the scene. I admit that I really like the music of Marilyn Manson, but you know something is rotten in Denmark when the kids all want to look like him.