Ages Passed

M. Stanley Bubien

They'd come close to a fight. I knew the deal, I'd been there in my day, and I could see it in their eyes. I decided to talk to one, but waited until it was safe---until the smoke cleared---before waving one of them over.

"What'cha want, ol' man?"

I grinned at his description of me---a mere thirty year old, but probably twice his age.

"What was that all about?" I asked.

"He been dissin' me. Starin' me down."

"Staring you down?"

"Yeah. S'how he messes with ya."

"By just looking at you?"

"C'mon. You that ol'?" he shook his head and laughed. "Guess you don't understand."

"I did once," I told him. "A long time ago. But I think you're right. I don't understand anymore."

Copyright ©1996 M. Stanley Bubien. All Rights Reserved.

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October, 1996 Issue #7

128 Words

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