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26 The Man with My Name Lives in another town. Was born without a pebble in his shoe. Went straight home from school. Did not get into fights. Never ran. Obeys speed limits, traffic lights, do not enter signs. Has never been pulled over by police. Married, fathered three. Moved to the suburbs. Has every smooth jazz album ever made. Keeps his hair cut short. Promptly answers mail. Returns every phone call the same day. Has never seen the Southern Cross, or cried beneath the midnight sun. Remembers names. His mother’s face. Plays baseball, basketball, golf—for business reasons. Loves talk radio. Laughs at faggot jokes. Undresses women in the office with his eyes. Is an early riser. Still can’t dance. Stays in touch with college, high school friends. Doesn’t mind he is the only black they know. 27 Works out. Eats his vegetables, cleans his plate. Never chased a penguin, startled a muskrat, or kissed a man. Always listened, never questioned. Never touched a corpse to say good-bye. Is loved by all. ...

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