SCI-FI NOVEL On page 59 I meet two red Martian Trills and feel a sweet chill ripple through me till Dad says Football would do you better Where did he come from The sudden slap of words sends my Trills scattering I snarl and pound my pillow It’s too late to slam the door
MOM SPEAKS Later Mom asks him Why don’t you let Garvey be I hear Dad snort Twice Why can’t he put those books down play football or basketball Garvey likes to read When was that not a good thing Thanks Mom I whisper You’re right says Dad But reading doesn’t build muscles does it When I was his age
my pop and I always played We roughhoused like well normal I go downstairs grab a Coke wash down Dad’s disappointment
ANTIDOTE Dinner-table talk is magically washed away on a sea of song the minute I clamp on my trusty earphones and push PLAY
