“. . . Radio?”

“Huh? . . . What’s that you say, Jim?”

“I said, ‘Do you mind if I turn on the radio?’”

“Shoot, boy, this is your car. You can play what you please.”

“Do you mind, Aunt Ruth?”

Under his breath Zeke said, “Lord, what you ask her for?”

“What did you say, Ezekiel Cross?”

“Nothing, Ruth. I ain’t say a word.”

“Humph. No. No, boy. I don’t care what you do,” she said sharply, staring out the window. “Just don’t play it too loud, that’s all. Can’t stand no loud fuss in my ears. Don’t see what you all likes so darn—”

“Well I won’t turn it on then, Aunt—”

“No, no, go on and turn it on, boy. I’m just saying don’t play it too loud, that’s all. That is all in this world.”

Dismayed, Jimmy turned the switch. A high-pitched guitar riff exploded from the speakers like a rocket. A dry, maniacal voice shouted something atonal and arhythmical over it all as though he, or she, or it was atop that rocket on its way to Venus. It all made Zeke jump.

“Now, Jim—” Ruth started.

“Sorry, Aunt Ruth.” He quickly turned the volume down and switched the station. A silky smooth Dionne Warwick crooned: Walk on by. Walk on by, foolish pride. That’s all that I have left so . . .

His hands once again gave a sharp ache, even though they were slightly warmer. Arthritis or the rheumatism, don’t know what the difference is, myself. It’s all pain. When folk say they want to live forever they don’t stop to think about how this old body gives out after a while. This body been going for nigh on eighty-four years. Been going for eighty-four years. Eighty . . .

To him the music on the radio was sweet. He did love pretty music, but there wont nothing no better than a good church song. He thought of his father and how he loved to sing. That was always the way he thought of Papa, singing. Papa had one of them deep bass voices. I reckon we was both disappointed that my voice didn’t come out to be deep like his. He loved to lead a chant, whether it was prayer meeting, funeral, church service, in the fields—

What have I to dread,

What have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms?

I have blessed peace

With my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.