Here’s the last paragraph of a short story, What Is Life?, published years ago. At the time I was dealing with the constant sorrow of my mom’s Alzheimer's. I still don't have any answers, especially in light of the terrible things that happen in this world. The piece is very brief, about a one-minute read:
Strolling along Sheepshead Bay one day, gazing into the water, he noticed a Blue Claw crab puttering at the surface, circling haphazardly. The futility of it forced laughter to his throat. Here was this creature, perhaps in search of prey itself, eagerly sought by men and women with nets. What was the purpose of its existence -- to serve as food to others? to keep the ocean from becoming overcrowded with the organisms upon which it fed? It seemed pointless. And it struck him -- life was essentially meaningless. And although this did not mean it could not be fun or worthwhile or fascinating, it told him that sadness would prevail, as futility was not something that could be embraced. Yet why, if life were meaningless, did he try his best to be civil and honest? Was it merely force of habit or a quirk of personality or genes, or did he, deep down, have faith? Or did he simply believe it imperative that people act as if life were meaningful? Otherwise joy would never be appreciated and, consequently, life would be intolerable, and chaos would reign.
And on a brighter note, the floating book shop had a nice day, as the struggle against futility continues. It was topped off by a woman named Shelley who, referring to me, said: "Isn't he the best?" Shucks, ma'am. My thanks to the kind folks who bought, donated and offered nice words today. They were undeterred by the odor of the black mulch placed in the garden yesterday. Lovely Sue-Ellen says it permeates her apartment. I've grown accustomed to it. Thanks also to Valued Opinions surveys, where I earned a $20 gift certificate for Amazon. I also found out the title of the first book of one of my regular customers, Barry Spunt: Heroin and Music in New York City. It will be available in a week.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Horror Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
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