Charm of Ivanhoe

My latest short story is about a drifter who, when he discovers that his mother is dying, abandons the search for his neglectful father and hitchhikes home to square accounts. The theme and tone was inspired by this song.

"Something Pretty" by Patrick Park

Here I am, where I've been
I've walked a hundred miles in tobacco skin,
And my clothes are worn & gritty.
And I know ugliness,
Now show me something pretty.

I was a dumb punk kid with nothing to lose
And too much weight for walking shoes.
I could have died from being boring.
As for loneliness,
She greets me every morning.

At the most I'm a glare,
I'm the hopeless son who's hardly there.
I'm the open sign that's always busted.
I'm the friend you need, but can't be trusted.

At the most I'm a glare,
I'm the hopeless son who's hardly there.
I'm the open sign that's always busted.
I'm the friend you need, but can't be trusted.

Here I am, where I've been
I've walked a hundred miles in tobacco skin,
And my clothes are worn & gritty.
And I know ugliness,
Now show me something pretty.

At the most I'm a glare,
I'm the hopeless son who's hardly there.
I'm the open sign that's always busted.
I'm the friend you need, but can't be trusted.

At the most I'm a glare,
I'm the hopeless son who's hardly there.
I'm the open sign that's always busted.
I'm the friend you need, but can't be trusted.

Punchlines

Strange ingredients can be a pleasant surprise. I would therefore always encourage experimentation when vacationing abroad! Case in point...? Absolutely THE best dish I ever tasted happened to be coconut baby oil while I was stranded on an island for three years.

(murmur in background)

What do you mean they serve other food in Manhattan?!