To See or Not To See: That is the Question

By Dante Longo II
 
Your co-worker, anonymous Joe, just told you about a box office smash, one that will certainly break attendance records. It's so good he's compelled to see it again–if you'll accompany him to a 7:30 p.m. showing at "The Bijou Theatre" on Main Street. Never quite sure about the connection between "bijou" and "bayou," your antennae quiver, seeking signs of submerged obstacles in low-lying waters.

Refraining from pointed questions such as, "Does it honor the Lord?" you take a tactful route, "What's it about, Joe?" He responds, "It has Jane Fonda and Michael Moore in it." Your antennae break into a linear rendition of the funky-chicken. Knowing that your question was misinterpreted, or avoided, you ask "Is it gory?" Joe, ever forthright, replies "Not really. Jane portrays an aging club dancer addicted to crack cocaine and younger men . . . ." Standing next to the water cooler, you shift your feet. Ummm. "What is it rated, Joe? How would my kids benefit from watching it?"  Joe, enthusiasm dampened, crumples a paper cone cup and stuffs into the right front pocket of his chinos. "I think it's R-Rated, but that doesn't mean anything – you know how ten little cuss words and a few seconds of nudity can skew a rating."  Your antennae go rigid, and faint.

Maintaining office decorum, you conveniently recall a previous commitment to your automobile.  The right rear tire needs polishing, and it might be time to read a Chilton's automotive manual. "Joe, thanks for the invitation, but I have commitments the rest of this week. I'll ask my kids what they'd like to watch, then see if Focus on the Family's 'Plugged in Online' has reviewed their choice."

Shoulders hunched, toeing marks on industrial carpet, Joe says, "Sheesh, I just thought you'd like an evening away from the family."  Lunch hour over, you turn towards your desk, noticing a wet spot on Joe's right trouser leg.  "That's appreciated, Joe, but next time . . . you might consider emptying your cup prior to disposal, and assigning trash to the waste basket."
 
About the Author:  Dante Longo II is a graduate of Black Hills State in South Dakota.  He's a poet and currently working on a novel.

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