Corner Tables, by Martin Murie, 2008/rev 2011

I know why you old crocks sit here bitching about the new generation and government going to the dogs. I'm an old crock myself and I've sat in on many a table or booth like this one. Mind if I sit down?

Thanks. I've got a question, been wanting to ask it and now I'm gettin' up nerve. I'm asking why don't we all go find a Raging Grannie, consult with her, ask how we might help.You know damn well why those Raging Women are on the rampage. The’ve got stories like you've got, but theye're not about to sit down and drink weak coffee and nibble donuts and bitch about it. War and Injustice, that's what’s on their minds. Heavy load to carry.There's a changing world out there, and we sit here bitching about the new generation and the government going to the dogs, and how Monsanto and ADM have got the system all tied up and there isn't a damn thing anyone can do about it, and we are sitting here waiting for Mr. Death to come knocking. No, that's not so. We are waiting for a leader and I have to tell you that that leader will lead you to a place you won't want to be. He'll have no use for old crocks like us. When he arrives he'll not give a good goddamn about any of us.

And now I've got to tell you what Gene Debbs had to say. Here it is: "I'm not going to lead you into the promised land because another leader will come along and lead you out of it." This is a way of saying, "Think of what you want and ACT FOR IT." You might remember Gene Debs, radical labor man. Maybe not, but what he said rings a bell in these times. And I'll tell you one more thing before you throw me out. Could you throw me out? Yes, but I also see a shadow of curiosity, even you there with the heavy glasses and not blinking.

I don't have a word for it, but it has something to do with going out on a below? zero January to toss hay to the cattle. The job had to be done and you were the one. Or, you had to get out on the power line, tip your head against the wind, climb the pole, get the job done. Or, you had to fire up the old jackhammer and take it and take and take it, the hammer shaking your body, hour after hour.

You know, there's tables or booths like this all across the country The waiters serve us and then tell tales about us back in the kitchen. Maybe they make fun of us, or maybe feel sorry. I wouldn't know.

Well, it's clear as a blue sky day that those raging women need help, and they say they don't care where it comes from. Even men, they say. So, why don't we go find one or two of them. I see you're taking your time with what I just said. It's not as though I was asking where's the nearest gas station or ay phone. So, I'll just say that help is needed out there on the streets and where the pompous power people hang out. Those pups know less than you do about the ways of the world. There, I've said it. They know less than you do about the ways of the world. You won't admit it, that's your problem.

Making a difference, that's what's new out there. That's what those obnoxious women know and they're acting on that knowing.

Oh, do any of you guys have jumper cables? My battery is about to give out.” Well, if it wasn't Heavy Glasses who had jumper cables He pushed his chair back and stood up. "I've got 'em. I'll give this poor activist some help."