Bennett Sewell Art

My name is Willie Grillad; I like to dress up and go to the movies.  You can quote me on that.

 

When I was a puppy, I had my homework and allowance chores.  I had my daydreams and play.  I didn’t run away from the first.  I ran to the second.  My mother said, “Little Willie, come home before dark.”

 

My pony and I ranged far and wide into the piney woods defending our home territory from Indian tribes, especially those from Leesville.  Their chief had taken up with an expansive Comanche squaw from Texas.  Constant vigilance was required.  We had a hidden fort in the woods from which we sallied forth, strong and confident, sometimes to attach, always to defend.  We dug for DeSoto’s gold and spied on adults.  When the young damsels from the high school came down to the river at dusk to recite their poetry, I patrolled the water’s edge with my BB gun to keep the giant green-eyed crocodiles at bay.  Strong, confident, vigilant; a hero if I can say so myself.

 

The years passed, the chores and homework took more of my time.  My body shape changed, as did the color of my hair.   Now when young damsels need protection, I call homeland security.  When I feel the urge to dig for gold, I go to the casino.  The results are the same as when I was a child.  I don’t spy on old dogs anymore; I are one.  I just listen while they talk.  However, I still keep my eye on those Indians down in Baton Rouge, the leggelocus tribe.

 

But I still have the movies, my fantasyland, where daydreams are replaced by characters outside of my head.  Passion, revenge, love, sadness, anxiety, and the joy of discovery are all there to any degree that I will let them in. 

 

My imagination was big, bright and active as a puppy.  It still is.  I can pick and chose and think and feel as I wish at the movies.  I can watch someone else lose or gain a love.  I can walk out with what I want, the better for it.

 

My name is Willie Grillad; I like to dress up and go to the movies.  You can quote me on that.