CLABBER

    After The Sandwiches Are Gone “Papaw, can I go with you next time?” Percy expect s his grandfather’s standard answer, “No. You’ll just beg to come home, as soon as the sandwiches are gone.” His grandfather, Tommy, chuckles then returns to cleaning the day’s catch. Percy eyes are fixed on his grandfather as he scrapes fish’s scales off with a spoon. He takes out his knife once the scales are gone. The knife is thin from being sharpened hundreds of times. It knows how to turn fish into food. Fins, head and tail disappear. No motion is wasted. No tears are shed for the meat. Meat Tommy loves for its taste and the fact that a feast can be bought with a bucket of minnows. Percy winces with every slice of the knife, but he cannot look away.  His grandfather tosses the fish to join its fellows in a pan of water. Once more, Percy asks what he’s asked since kindergarten. “Papaw, can I go…” Tommy smiles and interrupts. “I know. I know. You want to go with me next ti