Different Slants

by Robert M. Katzman © July 27, 2022

(This conversation actually happened, when I was in a desperate situation and needed some unusual assistance. No laws were broken, but it was easily the most terrifying conversation I ever had in my life, long, long ago)

The older man then looked at me, right into my eyes, and he said

“It is good when a son shows respect to his Mother 

Your Mother says you are good to her  

Is that so?”

I nodded  

Nervously

“Do you call her, make sure she has everything she needs?”

I paused, this time, and cleared my throat 

Then I looked directly at him, something I sensed was important to him

“I do…not…call her as much as a ‘good son’ should  

But I will, from now on”

The older man looked at me, steadily, appraising me  

Was I worth his time?

Where…was this going?

Was I about to have…a problem?

I think Mario Bianco knew a great deal 

And I think he could tell when a man was lying to him

So that was why I didn’t lie to him

I decided that the truth would make him have more respect for me

Even if the answer was not what he would have liked to hear

Then he said,

“Do that.”

I nodded that I understood

He smiled 

A little

I shivered

***

Publishing News!

(Currently seeking representation as a speaker/poet for hire)

Bob Katzman’s two new true Chicago books are now for sale, from him!
Vol. One: A Savage Heart and Vol. Two: Fighting Words

Gritty, violent, friendship, classic American entrepreneurship love, death, heartbreak and the real dirt about surviving in a completely corrupt major city under the Chicago Machine. More history and about one man’s life than a person may imagine.

Please visit my new website: http://www.dontgoquietlypress.com
If a person doesn’t want to use PayPaI, I also have a PO Box & I ship anywhere in America.

Send me a money order with your return and contact info.
I will get your books to you within ten days.
Here’s complete information on how to buy my books:

Vol 1: A Savage Heart and Vol. 2: Fighting Words
My books weigh almost 2 pounds each, with about 525 pages each and there are a total together of 79 stories and story/poems.

Robert M. Katzman
Don’t Go Quietly Press
PO Box 44287
Racine, Wis. 53404-9998 (262)752-3333, 8AM–7PM

Books cost $29.95 each, plus shipping

For: (1) $3.95; (2) $5.95; (3) $7.95; (4) $8.95 (5) $9.95;(6) $10.95

(7) $11.95; (8) $12.95; (9) $13.95 (10) $15.95 (15) $19.95

I am also for hire if anyone wants me to read my work and answer questions in the Chicago/Milwaukee area. Schools can call me for quantity discounts for 30 or more books. Also: businesses, bookstores, private organizations or churches and so on.

My two latest books are available in the Racine Wis Public Library. Both books are labeled: 921 KAT. ROB on their spines, in autobiography Dept. 

Signed Books are also for sale at: 

Studio Moonfall Bookstore, 5031 7th St. Kenosha, Wis, email: hello@studiomoonfall