PRESENTING THE ANNUAL INTERRACIAL PIG ROAST

PRESENTING THE ANNUAL INTERRACIAL PIG ROAST: click for full story.

"PRESENTING THE ANNUAL INTERRACIAL PIG ROAST
By Charles Deemer

From Prism International, Spring 1971
Roll of Honor, Best American Short Stories 1972

GROOVY, THE WHOLE SCENE, even better than his short-timer's party in Baumholder, Germany, a year ago: the roast pig, which Tee was still carving, his large black hands glistening with fat; the colossal supply of beer and booze, which Phil was serving from behind the portable bar in the back comer of the yard (grass was verboten, Tee being straight); the huge happy crowd, predominantly black, predominantly middle-aged, incredibly friendly; and the sounds, out of sight, of the jazz combo on the patio; and the dancing, which Roy dug most of all, that sensuous and rhythmic elasticity which was theirs alone (man, how they could dance!). In line for seconds, Roy watched and saw the obvious: only a spade could dance like a spade."

---

This story is based on an actual event. I used the real names of friends who were at the event with me, which turned out to be a great, a huge, mistake -- I almost lost every friend as a result! I was young, arrogant and naive -- I thought they'd be thrilled. Never again. I learned my lesson well.