he was the roster clerk for a recent
election
an elderly gentleman walking with a cane
shuffled into the hall
he was sitting at a table immediately in
front
Welcome
the old man startled
maybe
hed take his enthusiasm for the democratic voting process down a notch
Sir Do you know what precinct you vote in
he
had gathered himself
No no, but I always come here to vote.
Awright Why don you come in an I can check your
name against the roster to see if youre here or at the other table The other precinct
Yes yes.
he hobbled over
Please
Your name
My name my name . . .
he hooked his cane on the table
patting the air before him with both hands
Don’t tell me. chuckled
looked
up left at the ceiling wasnt there looked right
apparently not there either either
My. Name.
I know this.
Perhaps in your wallet
An ID card couldnt
imagine he had a drivers license
No no.
I know this.
Yes yes.
I’m Errol.
My Maw named me after Errol Flynn. Flynn.
My last name’s, Flynn, Flynn, I’m Errol Flynn.
Errol Let me find you on the roster
Flynn
F L Y
N N Correct
Yes yes, exactly like the actor’s name. You know him, young man?
I do
Enjoyed his films Gave Douglas Fairbanks a real run for his
money
You know.
I do
There you are
The roster indicates you received a Vote-By-Mail
ballo . .
.
. I threw it away. I wanted to vote here.
Thas fine However we have a hurtle to clear
I have to call the call center and confirm they have not received a mail-in-ballot
in your nam . .
. . Goodness, young man, I told you I threw
it away.
You don’t believe me?
I believe you Although Im obliged by oath to confirm it
Let me get you a chair so you can sit in
case the lines are busy
he got him a chair
set it before the table his cane
in his agitation he hadnt taken it from where he hooked it on the table
That’s very kind of you, young man.
Thank you.
Youre welcome kiddo
Kiddo. Ohmy.
I haven’t been
called kiddo since I was in short pants.
Short pants better than a dress or a
skirt
Ernest Hemingway
His mother was a bitch.
It seems by all indications she was a
force to be reckoned with Testimonies
were that she wanted a daughter to play with Marcelline
Grace was a bitch. names
were rolling off his tongue unlike his
calling the call center he happened to
look down at the nametag on his chest
he was on hold
he placed his hand over the receiver
Errol was looking around the hall
Errol
wanted to bring him present
Yes?
he pointed at his nametag
Im
Joe Nice meeting you Errol Were on hold
reaching across the table to shake his
hand
I cant wait to call my Dad an tell
him I met Errol Flynn
they shook
the call center picked up
Ayla ascertained that Errol FlynnReally? Something else huh Get his autograph. they
laughed Errol can vote with a precinct ballot.
Thank you for your help Ayla
Have a fine afternoon
Errol startled
him a second time
Excuse
me
You certainly project your voice.
Im the eldest of eight had to hold your
own or nobody woud listen
Were good to go to vote
Oh
wonderful wonderful.
when Errol voted returned his ballot to
the ballot clerk he approached him
Errol Not to diminish you
I had
an idea
I’m sorry. I’ve forgotten your name.
Joe
Joe. said
it as if he was a long way away
he handed him an adhesive nametag that
he printed in bold letters ERROL
I thought if youd like to put it on your
sleeve or on your chest upsidedown youd be able to read your name
Errol Flynn laughed
My goodness, I haven’t worn a nametag since I
was a boy in short pants. I like the way you think . . .
Joe
Of course.
1154, Tuesday,
4 11. 25
1310, Saturday,
8 11. 25
