Mr. Swift told the sensitive audience his story, just minutes before the explosion.
“I’m no detective, until today.
He has balcony eyes. And if I had to put my money on it I’d say that said he had at least six pictures on the walls of his bedroom, I promise, I promise he does. If I didn’t now him better I’d swear I’d known him as a child. Civilly of course, and naturally speaking, as you’d expect. So you have asked for me to come in here and speak on his behalf, which of the two you have not specified, I am almost tempted to step outside, as long as the ledge doesn’t tend to give, and wait along the solitary concrete for you to deliberate and thus allow me to get some fresh air pockets I’ve been keeping around for these moments, for just these moments, for a rainy day, they say.
No, I don’t smoke, can you smoke in here? No, I don’t smoke can you smoke in here? Did you say I could smoke anyway, then I don’t mind if I do, say, I don’t smoke but thanks so nice of you. I always knew he would et into this kind of trouble, but not this kind, if you know what I mean, if you know what I mean )say it slower the second time for effect(. I was thinking more along the lines of toaster trouble, or, let me give some thought to it, rudder trouble, could it be. Maybe a fine at the most trouble. But this would surprise me to no end of the earth, where a ship bound ship stalls. It’s that monumental. It’s that egregious. It’s that error.
This is what happened. I told him. And he said no. I told him. And he said no. I told him and he said no. The third time around was different though and that made the difference, of time of height of opinion of mind. Which is what I have made up right now. Like a sitting lime. Like a cranky lawyer. Like a frightened cage. There is nothing more disparaging than a frightened cage. They tend to leave night all alone by itself…and day to handle the rest. That’s what cage does, it does, it does.
So here is my number and my email and my name of course. I’ll leave them with you by the corner of the saucer in case you need me. Just release him, though,
I thought, I’m afraid I meant everything.”
