The other night late I dawdled to chat with my friend Malloy, the joke teller. I have spent many hours seated beside Malloy out there on Duval Street until business hours end, which is after 4 in the morning. My first year here before I knew anyone Malloy was a place for me tarry and watch the nuttiness I love so much about Key West. Strolling around is fun, but sometimes I want a good perch from which to observe and Malloy has been that perch for me on many a night.
When I saw him, he said, “I have a gift for you,” he said, “wait here, it’s in the van, I’ll be right back.” He handed me his sign, which is the size of a beach towel, with one word in large letters, JOKES.
“No problem, I’ll make a fortune for you while you’re gone!” After all, I know loads of great jokes. So I sat in his chair and I held up the sign.
A couple of lads stopped in front and said, “Tell us a joke.”
I went brain-dead, frozen. Stalling, I said, “Give me a dollar.”
One dude said, “First tell us a joke.”
I stared at the two expectant men, and absolutely nothing came to mind.
My mind was a belfry of echoes.
“Tell us a joke!”, the men demanded.
I couldn’t think of a single one. “I can’t remember any!”
Incredulously they stared at me, “But you’re holding a sign that says, ‘JOKES’!”
“Sorry, I’ve gone blank.”
They were shocked.
I did manage to get the fellows giggling, because although my memory failed me I always have my goofball personality to fall back on, so I got them laughing.
At last Malloy returned and I gave him back his sign, “Sorry Malloy I failed horribly! Couldn’t think of anything!”
He didn’t care, he had an incredible gift for me. About 20 CDs of all his own original music in a black and pink case with a zip. Thank you and Happy New Year Malloy.
PS: So this guy goes into a bar….
Image by John Martini©
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