For me, simple pleasures are sometimes the best. I belong to an organization that supports our library system, and look forward to member book sales at their enormous “BOOK BARN.” I especially enjoy purchasing book tapes that are becoming obsolete, but are still available at the “BARN.”
Yesterday, I arrived for the opening at 8 a.m., and found a long line of Bibliophiles patiently awaiting the beginning of the sale that is manned by all volunteers. When the doors opened, I rushed to the book tape shelves, but was disappointed to find a selection of rather slim pickings.
I spied a friend, who is a regular volunteer at the “BARN,” and asked her if there were more book tapes available. “Sure,” she replied. “They are right behind this door.” She opened the door, which was located next to the shelf, found a box filled with tapes and began to bring them to me. Suddenly, a loud voice boomed out, “You there! Stop talking and bring out more C.D. discs. That is your job!”
Looking up from the tape in my hand, I came face to face with a tall, stern-faced woman, who glared at my friend and me. She stood there with her arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently. I said, “Wait a minute, my friend is bringing out some book tapes for me.” The officious woman ignored me, and said to my, by now, cowed friend, “Go do what you are assigned to do!” At that, I said, “Well, can I go through the box myself and pick out some tapes? I will put the rest of them on the shelf.” “No,” she said. “You are not allowed to do that!”
“Who made you the boss?” I said. She stuck out chest, pulled herself ramrod straight and said, “I am the Captain!” Dumbfounded, I looked at the volunteer “Captain” and said, “Big Deal! Captain of what? Where’s your ship?”
She turned on her heel and marched away. I got my book tapes and found the actual person in charge of the “BOOK BARN.” I suggested that she decommission her volunteer “Captain.”
I found out a long time ago that the “meek may inherit the earth,” but that the bold feel so much better before the will is read.
Esther Blumenfeld (Didn’t they eat Captain Cook?)