By Fred Vogel
Bob was eighty-seven years young when he engaged in his first fistfight. It was only a matter of time before he and his old pal, Hal, got into a scuffle; a disagreement over which television show to watch was all that was needed to provoke the two. Bob had often wondered if he had what it took to pack a powerful punch. More importantly, he had wondered if he had what it took to take one. Apparently he did not. Hal lifted Bob back onto his feet, just as the nurses were entering the room with supper and their evening meds.
Nicely constructed, Fred, drawing us inexorably into the final one-two punch
My constructive comment: Look up the term “ageism” in Wikipedia. Pay particular attention to the information on implicit ageism and ageist stereotyping. Then reread your submission IN HIS CORNER and decide for yourself whether you were clever, humorous, or just demeaning. Your call.
I don’t see any ageism or anything demeaning towards the elderly. Could you elucidate?
From Wikepedia: “Butler defined “ageism” as a combination of three connected elements. Among them were prejudicial attitudes towards older people, old age, and the aging process; discriminatory practices against older people; and institutional practices and policies that perpetuate stereotypes about elderly people.”
Like Liz Milne, I don’t see ageism in this story. And I’m 82, Maybe I’m senile. Jerry
No ageism, no discrimination, no sexism, no elderly embarrassment. Pure flash! I enjoyed the story!
Benita, I think the angle here was firmly seated with the world of ‘What if?’.
We always leave things too late, it is a human foible. how many of us wonder . . . what if I’d gone for it?! All of us. And that’s his point. Sometimes we reach out again, way too late and yes, that’s just what it is — too late. Or no more than an idle thought.
We age we become infirm, it isn’t ageist to show us at our most vulnerable, its human. Which is generally humans at their best so far as being able to learn and increase our wonder.
– esme having none of that upon the Cloud
As always Fred, you keep me smiling!! What uncanny insight and story telling. Don’t ever stop!
This story is a wee pleasure. Loved it!
My comment should have read: “This story is a wee TREASURE.” Loved it! Of course, it was also a pleasure to read it!
I’m 86 .Been there and done that! Loved your story!
No ageism, just humor. Art was ready to punch someone out last week. He’s 86 and has all his faculties