VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS : Is it black with white stripes?
Posted on Thursday, October 2, 2008
There is a zebra living between Greenland and West Fork. The fact is I have seen this zebra on several occasions and am convinced I am of sound mind. The fact that I am convinced is sure to illicit certain comments and questions directed towards me. Like, for instance, when I called a lady friend she didn't hesitate with questions like: "What was he doing ? Giving the Easter Bunny a ride ? "Nah, really there is a zebra, I say, to no avail.
Two days later I see the zebra again and mention he was eating grass, which never missing a chance to gig me says it makes perfect sense, as the zebra would need a good breakfast before the lion starts chasing him ! It isn't easy to see things others don't, but I try to manage.
Trying a different tact, I mention to other persons I happen to encounter and am met with sideways glances, raised eyebrows and cute comments as to my sanity. There is a zebra and I am not crazy. Well, that crazy part could be debated but not about the zebra. I have been offered an all expense paid trip to the eye doctor, a comfortable couch for therapy sessions, and one to a nursing home specializing in dementia.
Then it's the people who tell me that they believe me only to patronize me. As if I am loony as a bed bug, it never fails to get me stares. There is a zebra and I have seen him.
All I can say is they will be talking out the other side of their mouths when they see my zebra. Then I will have my turn to rub it in and strengthen my veracity. Since I am a relatively nice guy I won't play it for all its worth and make them feel as if Alzheimer's is their lot in life. Nah, that wouldn't be any fun. I am going to ride them like a saddle. Make them beg for mercy. Make them see my zebra the way I see my zebra. They will know, because I will tell them that when I see a zebra I see a zebra and how stupid they have been. I saw my zebra seven times and I am not crazy. And for your information he wasn't hanging out with a pink elephant. He was in a field munching on grass. But, what really hurt, and I mean hurt, was a fiveyear-old said I was crazy. That's a tough !
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Steve Foster holds a degree in criminal justice. He's a social worker in NWA.
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