THE MOCK


Our son invented it in high school. Narrating. With windows rolled down and a huge voice projecting over our town's streets, he would simply describe what he saw. To those who cared to listen.

"Man walking. Blue shorts, brown shoes. Head down."

You can imagine some of the reactions and responses. He, and his friends, used to do it daily. In fact' one of the last times we were in MTV, he narrated his mother and me as we walked in the downtown area. No immunity.

I decided to try a variation called The Mock. While walking the boardwalk or in a mall, wherever there are many people, I'll duplicate the walk and swinging arms, for instance, of the people that I meet.

It's not bad, but I don't think my wife approves. This morning on our walk I mocked a bunch of people. A cell phone walker/talker; several dog walkers and coffee drinkers; a few arm swingers, and an ear scratcher and head turner.

None caught on today. As soon as they pass, I look for another victim. It's better when you spot them way ahead and can duplicate for a long time before the encounter.

I guess you could combine narrating and mocking, but I'm not brave enough to try.