Just a Bit Different

I grew up in Middletown, where everything was pretty much average. Every house, every car, every mom, dad and every kid were all just about the same. Except for Paul Locke. Paul was the only Jewish kid on the block. But that wasn't what made him different. Paul could eat dirt and seemed to enjoy doing so. Someone would say, "show'em Paul", and he would. Sand, red clay, loam, dust, it didn't seem to matter. Paul would reach down and grab a handful, choke it down and then laugh uncontrollably at his accomplishment. He was at his best in those hot July and August days when we hadn't seen rain all summer. Thinking back on it, I don't believe I ever saw him do mud. I suppose even being different must have its limits. Give Me Your Best James Tate-Poetry Contest Sponsored by Space Cadet 11/03/2016