BIG BAND DISCOURSE

Pain is much like water; it must find an outlet, even if it has to furrow its own path.

When did the sword get in the bed?

Crystal bought Donald his first sword, quite by accident, one day as she walked to

her car  after a meeting with a client.  She passed a pawn store and there it was in the window, bearing a large tag that read, “Genuine Brazilian Sword.”   On an impulse Crystal went in and asked to see it.  She did know whether it was authentic or not, but paid the $150., and said to herself, Donald will like this, Brazil means so much to him.  She didn’t give it to him that evening, instead wrapped it in a beautiful box, with a card on which she wrote, “I still expect you to keep your promise and take me to Brazil.”  Saturday evening, after they had put both children to bed, she got the box and placed it on the bed while Donald micro-waved them pop-corn.

“What’s this?” he asked, placing the tray with juice and popcorn on the bedside table.

“Why don’t you open it and see?” she said, leaning on his back as he took the box

into his lap.  His eyes lit up when he unwrapped it from the tissue paper.  He inspected it carefully.

“Where did you get this?”

Donald took the sword out of its sheath and tested the blade. 

            “This is good steel.”

            “Does that mean it’s authentic?” Crystal asked.