The old master Buster Keaton himself would have looked down from Heaven upon his namesake with approval this day. The “Great Stoneface” may even have cracked a wry smile at young Keaton’s talent for mayhem!
After lunch found me lying on the lounge enjoying a short snooze. Keaton was stretched out on the floor in front of the lounge, between the lounge and Ma’s favorite chair. Her little pedestal side table with three “feet” was there too, loaded up with all manner of bits and pieces that only a mother can justify loading up a small table with. A little later Ma sat down leaving her full glass of cola on the side table. Keaton must have heard me disturb for when I opened my tired old eyes, Keaton was just stretching his back legs with one pushing against one “foot” of the side table. As Keaton pushed the base of the table, somehow the top stayed in place until it overbalanced showering Keaton with its abundance, and sending the glass of cola splashing down just missing his nose and spewing dark liquid outwards! Keaton was covered in papers, scissors, a nail file, drink coaster, spectacles, long-handled shoehorn, Mum’s knee-high stockings, assorted lollies, TV and VCR remotes, cordless phone and a couple of pens! And the little fellow never blinked an eye, moved a muscle or showed the slightest sign of recognition of the “disaster” which had suddenly engulfed him!
Liquorice was in the other room showing little interest, not until I was tidying up the bits and pieces. Picking up the lollies Liquorice heard the wrapping paper in my fingers; then she wanted to “help”!
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – I’ll gather up the lollies!
Keaton – Now if I pretend it didn’t happen…………