A Home Grown Army
by
Richard Leland

Audio Introduction

         The master weaver of children’s tales, a compelling storyteller, Mr. Leland takes us into the minds and hearts of young lovers in the bygone days of an oppressive, humid summer in the American South. A time gone, forever.

        “I’ll tell you Tooly,” Meechie said, putting down the morning paper, “I’ve thought this over very carefully.” He grabbed his coffee cup, raised it to his lips, and sipped. “We’ve got to start an army.”
         “What kind of an army, honey,” Tooly asked, sitting again at the dining room table.
     “An army that’s well trained so that we can take back our country.” Meechie sipped his warm, black coffee.
         “I don't march too well,” Tooly said, sitting up straight. “Coordination more than anything, man,” she added.
         “You don’t have to march. Listen to me, will you? If it’s our army, neither one of us has to march.” Meechie looked directly at his wife. “Tooly! Tooly, where is your mind?” He pointed at her using his cup. “Pay attention! And, get used to paying close attention, please. What kind of army do you think we would run? You’ve gotta listen when I give orders to you.”
         “Orders?” Tooly asked. “Meechie, you’ve got a hole in the right sleeve of your sweater.”

End of the Excerpt from
A Home Grown Army
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