Semi-Daily Scribbles

The fancy black cardstock on my plate read Gerald. I thought it a perfectly fine appellation, and repeated it a few times to get the feel of it. The maître d’hôtel escorted me to this exact spot among the other attendees, so I didn't question the possibility of a mistake having been made. What’s in a name? There aren't many of us walking around with one of our own choosing, and that is why names pinch and bind at the neck. But I had a seat at the big table. There is no ticket one can buy for the privilege of using a separate fork for the fish, and being called names until one finally sticks. By Special Invitation Only. I sat down, admiring the gold curlicue that formed the G on my place card, and waited to be watered and fed.