In the nightmare of a warring world, it takes peculiar skills to get along. — Kurt Vonnegut

"All right, all right, all right," she said with a sigh, "let's hear the story of life in a blinding flash."

"The wreckers against the builders!" said Elmer. "There's the whole story of life!"

"And I've got more news for you."

"Yes?" piped Ivy.

"I am not going to help the wreckers," said Elmer. "My son and I are builders."

But listen: If anyone here should wind up on a gurney in a lethal-injection facility, maybe the one at Terre Haute, here is what your last words should be: "This will certainly teach me a lesson."