Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Death Is A Paper Tiger

DEATH IS A PAPER TIGER
By Charles Deemer

From Mississippi Review, 1974



            The paper predicts war with China. It is so difficult to predict war? Who has seen peace? If not China, Africa. Or Japan again. A friend, an enemy; an enemy. a friend. China, then, and I give odds she wins. Any odds I would give. China is thousands of years. China is hundreds of millions. China is immortal. Look at history, read the books of her old men. 
            "A cynic with your books," says Camilla. "Your books don't deserve you. Gregory read to enrich the soul!'' 
            Gregory is her late husband. Where is his soul today? His ashes, at least, she keeps in an urn. Any stranger who would ask to inspect a room must first see Gregory's ashes. 



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