WRITERS MEET AT BERTHA'S

Writers Jack O'Connell and Estanislao Contreras met for breakfast at Bertha's. The world's great unknown author ordered pozole while the poet of Chicano Fuck Songs remained faithful to his huevos rancheros.

Jack: What is the latest in your meaningless life?

Estanislao: It's Thanksgiving and the summer is finally behind us. I checked the temperature and it is going to be in the mid-seventies all week. I grow so tired of that merciless, relentless and searing summer sun.

Jack: What are you going to do for Thanksgiving?

Estanislao: Dr. Tony Zavaleta invited me to his house for dinner. I bring a bottle of wine and vegetate over the traditional meal. And you?

Jack: Since the break-up of my family several years ago, I skip most holidays. It will be just another day. The most I do is send my kids money at Christmas and their birthdays.

Estanislao: You're not one of those lost souls who gets emotional and suicidal during these festive times remembering your joyful upbringing and dealing with your present reality, bro?

Jack: It's neither here nor there, compadre. I live one day at a time. My biggest concern is greeting each morning in the best of health. Then I float through the rest of the day like a ghost. I dedicate myself to feeling good and keeping my mind empty.

Estanislao: How does an empty mind create literature?

Jack: An empty mind and an empty screen are like two negatives producing a positive. You become a jazz musician and let it flow. You delve into your subconscious and the ideas and scenarios take shape on their own. And you? What's cooking today?

Estanislao: After this breakfast digests, I'll go to the gym. I hurt my back yesterday hitting the weights too hard. I'll sit in the sauna, swim laps and then relax in the jacuzzi. It's a bitch trying to get young and handsome again.

Jack: And then it's a bitch when the bitches look right through you.

Estanislao: When I look at myself in the mirror, I can understand the reasons. How did we get old so fast?

Jack: We didn't die. Do you want to get together later for drinks?

Estanislao: I would, but I have my youngest son for the weekend. He's in track right now and wants his hair braided so when he's dashing down the stretch he'll look good. His only goal in life is looking good.

Jack: Sounds like his old man. What does he play?

Estanislao: End and corner.

Jack: Does he have any talent?

Estanislao: He has good hands, he has the fearless attitude of a Marine and he's fast. He won the 200 meter last year in the city championship track meet and his two relay teams also finished first. I wanted him to stick with his golf and swim for physical development, but he's crazy about football. He imagines himself one of those white slots in the NFL.

Jack: Bertha's has to be one of the best breakfast spots in town.

Estanislao: You've got that right, bro. Put your wallet away. You got it last time.

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