A Text Exchange

Lamoreaux and Johnny Sparks

Sparks: This was the picture on the wall in the Dr.’s office. When I looked closely in my fevered state, this is what I saw: Obviously, it is a duel about to take place between a hippopotamus on the left and an armadillo on the right. Back to back. They will each swim 10 paces, then turn and fire. But nothing will happen, because “fire” does not work in water. Everybody knows that! I think I may need to ask the Dr. about medicine…some type of medicine…

Lamoreaux: I’ve seen that “armadillo” before, and my suspicion has always been that he’s a razorback hog posing as an armadillo. If so, then he’s probably carrying a knife, and he’s probably going to turn and attack with said knife. The hippo’s only hope is that he remembered to bring a stout sledge hammer.

P.S. Make sure the doctor understands: It’s gotta be the good medicine or nothing else.

[Asheville, NC/Ferriday, LA, 2023]