Mistaken Identity

Spotlights shine on flowing carved robes, a plumed helmet, a sharp spear, and somber features.

A statue of Athena stands on top of a tall, narrow column.

The groves of the park muffle the idling engines and occasional honking from street traffic.

It’s a cold night. The park has overgrown lawns, dry fountains, and caution tape around smaller statues that look forgotten. Litter blows against gates.

Tags jingle. Barking. A large dog, white with light brown spots bounds in great arcs over the grass.

Pins and needles in my right knee, where a black lab once took a little chomp.

Of course, I do like dogs, but my knee does tingle at times when one charges me out of nowhere.

The dog stops short. Its ears and tail droop. It tilts its head and pants at me.

“Sorry,” says the woman who owns him. “He thought you were my brother.”

Flattering, flattering.

But how does she know who the dog thought I was?

My Greek is hardly even beginner level.

My Dog is even worse.

Still, it’s the kind of thing that makes you feel at home.


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Odd Jobs & After Hours in audio, hardcover, or paperback by clicking here. It’s about drifting down the east coast of the USA chasing one sketchy, so-called opportunity after another.