REFER TO GREY: Contemplations by Robert Greigos © 2007-2024

It is a nice pool, empty now in the evening sun. Two young women sit beside the water discussing who did and did not attend the afternoon's swim.

"I'm sorry, but they just don't belong here."

"Who doesn't belong here?"

"Those Weeds."

"Weeds?"

"That's what I call them. They're unwanted. They mess up the order of things."

"But Melody, they're people just like us. They live in this town just like we do. They work just like our parents work. They own their own home. They take care of their kids. They get along with their neighbors."

"Perhaps they do, but they don't fit in. They lack culture."

"Culture? This is a silly little town in rural Mississippi. What culture are you talking about?"

"We've got manners. They don't."

"Hospitality, charity, and graciousness are not among them, I see."

"You can't have culture without exclusivity."

"I see, standards need to be set so you're setting them. Is that it?"

"I am. Those people are Weeds and we are not."

"I must say, Melody, I don't think I'd care to be in your exclusive club. It's contrary to everything I know and love about this town. And it's completely contrary to the kind of person I want to be."

"Victoria, I just don't know where you get your ideas."

"But I do know where you get your ideas, honey."

"Oh . . ., you make me so mad sometimes."