To See the Earth Before the End of the World

MAN WITH THREE DEGREES

82 MAN WITH THREE DEGREES (for Tony Halfhide) When he opened the door on the passenger side and it spoke that need-oil croak of a greeting, he said, “This ain’t good, y’know. You ain’t got no ladies keepin’ it oiled fa ye . . . ?” speaking to things in that Trinidadian straight to it talk when he speaks. I never have a defense in his no dressin’ it up court. “Y’don’ need much.” his mantra: he don’t eat the meat, no dressing on the vegetables. I’ve always admired how right he is all t’while he never say so ’less he’s ask . . . “Truth don’ take much word; most of your time it take seein’. I work only so I have time not to work . . . Y’don’ need much.” The only thing I ever heard him say him need—women, cars, alla that, no— was to look at the ocean. “I have to be where I can see the ocean.” ...