Mr. Watsons was a five and dime store downtown Mill Valley on the corner of fifth and lacey street. In this one place was all I ever needed to be happy forever. Plastic swords with long black blades, gold gilt sheaves, and a gold woven belt strap to hold it in place. Black metallic guns with real explosive caps, lone ranger costumes, and every manner of super hero paraphernalia was under this one huge fluorescent tube lit palace.
From the cherry tree in our front yard it would be a two mile stroll. I decided one day to venture out in search of my Excalibur. I rode my Big Wheel part of the way, then left it beside the road and walked the last two blocks. I went down the hill on moor street, made it to the intersection of lacey, then crept along to the corner –The Corner where in large windows along the side walk I stood mesmerized. My sword was just an arms length from my hip. Just think how tough I will be when I wear it.
I dreamed of conquest and fighting for my life, then penniless, mounted my Big Wheel again, cranking up the hill towards home.
At the halfway point I got off my ride beside a large tree. A large centipede twirled around a pine stick I found. A darting hummingbird caught my eye.
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