Liquor Store Prophet

While filling out a raffle ticket for a kayak he asked, “Is it the lie we commit or the lie that commits us?”

I was deep in thought, considering swapping a Long Trail Double Bag bomber for a second Trail Cutter, “Huh?”

“Must I put Red Hook as my favorite beer if I am to win the glorious prize? To tell the lie the truth asks us to commit, can it be done?”

The raffle tickets asked for your favorite beer but it was sponsored by Red Hook. “I sure as hell hope they don’t throw your ticket out if you don’t like Red Hook.”

“But if it is the lie requested then it is the truth indeed.” He rummaged through his bag then looked up at me as if I had taken something.

“Write whatever you want, you’re probably not going to win anyway.”

“Ah, but…” he neatly wrote in his favorite beer then triumphantly showed me his ticket, he wrote ‘Imported Beer’.

“Dude, that doesn’t solve anything, Red Hook’s domestic.”

He ripped the box when he shoved his ticket in. “The Old Testament tells us, make a place outside of God and government, do this for freedom.” I furrowed my brow. “A place, for freedom, in yourself.”

I gave him a look that tried to say “Sure, ya, I follow. Now leave me alone.”

“They used to teach the Old Testament and call you educated, now, now.” He shook his head the rest of the time we were in line and refused to look at me, which was fine by me.