Songs of a Dead Dreamer and Grimscribe by Thomas Ligotti Page A

as table service, though. I’m afraid that in the way of drinks one must procure for one’s self. Thank you, I’m glad you think I have a nice way of talkin’. Now, can I get you something from the bar? All right, a beer you shall have. And do me a favor please: before I return, you will already have taken that wad of gum out of your mouth. Thank you, and I’ll be back shortly with our drinks.
    Here you are, Rosie, one beer from the bar. Just don’t belch and we’ll get along fine. I’m pleased to see you’ve gotten rid of your gum, though I hope you didn’t swallow it. One’s gut should probably remain ignorant of what it’s like to accommodate bubble gum and beer in the same digestive episode. I know it’s
your
gut, but I take an interest in what gets into the workings of any human vessel. That’s right—
vessel
. You want me to spell it? No, I’m not making fun of you. It’s just that there are certain interactions that take place when the vessel in question is the delicate system of
H. sapiens
,
as opposed to a chalice in a church or a serum vial in a laboratory. Quite so, that none-too-sterile glass in your immaculate hand is a vessel, now you’ve got it.
    My glass? Yes, you do see a lot of red in there. I like red drinks. Created this one myself. A Red Rum Ginny, I call it. White rum, gin, pale ginger ale, and, ideally, cranberry juice, though the bartender here had to substitute some maraschino solution, which has neither the rich red color nor a fraction of the tartness of your smile. Here, take a sip. If you don’t like it, say so. Yes, different is the word for it, the wellspring of its interest. Even the most faithful adherence to an established mixological formula results in some difference that can be discerned in even the most banal of cocktails, not to mention other concoctions in the alcoholic formulary. You just have to cultivate the
sensitivity
to notice that difference. Ask any wine taster. And that sensitivity may be extended to every experience in our lives. Though we may think we’re doing the same old thing in the same old way day in and day out, fluctuations from the norm
are
the norm. You can’t step into the same river twice, as the philosopher said. Each passing moment diverts to follow its own course from the one before, often quite strangely.
    I have a very keen appreciation of
diversity
,
if I do say so myself. You’re smiling at my emphasis. You think you know something about me, and perhaps you do. Sharp girl! But
perversity
,
as you no doubt were thinking, is only one of the more ostentatious forms of the diverse. And diversions call the tune of the dance of life, even at the subatomic level.
    Wow, you really guzzled down that bubbly beverage. Would you like another, or perhaps I can offer you something of my own invention? Yes, I have created other drinks. There’s another red potation I’ve pioneered that’s actually just a variation on a standard number. The Sweet and Sour Bloody Mary, made with high-test vodka, tonic water, sugar, a lemon slice, and ketchup. It does sound like a meal in itself at that. Very fortifying. No, sorry to spoil your joke, my fondness for crimson highballs does not extend to the vampire’s neck-drawn nectar. Besides, I’m quite able to work during daylight hours.
    Where? Well, I suppose I can tell you,
sub rosa
,
that I’m employed by a pharmaceutical company not far from here. I’m a chemist there. Yes, really. Well, it’s nice the way you could see right off that I wasn’t no average guy just lookin’ for some fun after a hard day’s work. Perceptive girl! However, I did in fact come directly here after working a little overtime. I noticed while I was at the bar counter that you were eyeing and toeing the briefcase I brought in with me and set so discreetly under the table. You guessed it, I do happen to be carrying “work