The Facts of Life

Autum 1970
The Facts of Life


        Dad asks me to sit in his den at his desk. The blinds at the bay
window entrance to the porch are partialy open. The sun is setting.
The room has an orange glow to it. I look at the volumes of Dickens
in the bookcase beside the desk. There is a pengilum clock on the
opposite wall. Under the clock a podium with a large dictionary on
it. Dad's wooden swivel chair squeaks as he finishes up correcting
his student's exams.

                                      Dad
     
        Do you know why I want to speak with you?

                                    Muzzy

                                      No.

                                      Dad

        Your mother wants me to talk to you about women.
        Do you understand why men and women are different?

                                    Muzzy

                              To make babies.

                                      Dad

        Yes. Babies are made when a man and a women have
                                      sex.
        Do you understand what .. sex is?

                                    Muzzy

                                    Yes.

Dad takes his glasses off and rubs his eyes. Then, puts his glasses back on.

                                    Dad

        Mother has told me that she found you wearing your sister's
        white tights and green plaid school uniform. Why did you do
        that?

                                    Muzzy

                              It was fun.. I was just playing.

                                    Dad

        Boy's and girls dress differently so they can understand their roles
        in life. You are a boy. You wear pants. Correct?

                                  Muzzy

                                    o.k.

                                    Dad

        Don't upset your mother again. She still resting on the couch.

                                  Muzzy

                                    o.k.

Dad takes his handkercheif from left pant pocket and rubs some lips stick
off Muzzy's lips. Muzzy is still dressed in his sister's school uniform.
Dad rises from his chair and guides Muzzy to the two flights of stairs,
leading to the bedrooms.

                                  Dad

              Go upstairs and put *your* cloths on.

                                Muzzy

                                  o.k.

  Muzzy runs upstairs, slipping on the landing because of the white tights
  over his feet. There is a thud. Mom races to the stairs in a fright.

                                Mom

  Justgoupstairsandtakeyoursistersclothsoff! Don't!Breakyourkneck!

Dad grabs mom and holds her tight. He guides her back the couch.
She has clenched her fists against Dad's chest.

  :)The facts of life.