Apt

By Jeffrey A. Paolano

“You’ve bestowed a beneficent service. Here’n clear title to this parcel in gratitude,” declared Colonel Laneston, appreciating Lolly’s exploit favoring the Colonel’s daughter.

Lolly built a covered lean-to in which he subsisted five years.

He turned his field each spring—following a let mule—and made a fine crop.

“I’ve a mule, a well-organized garden, a sound house. I’m awanting to share the place with you,” Lolly proposed to Noretta, who in season presented him with two sons.

Upon Lolly’s demise, no one recollected his surname (Earnst, Learnst?). Noretta predeceased him. The boys had gone.

Lolly, twas said, stood truly clever.