Page 33 - The Red Well-Read Reader

The Red Well-Read Reader

Story 18

Viciously Slapped

In World War II, many American chaps were caught in Japanese boobie

traps. Around their wrists and ankles irons were clapped, their faces were

slapped, their backs strapped, and their wounds left unwrapped.

For failure to rap or reveal any plan or map, they were fed just baby pap and

maybe a leftover scrap. Some snapped! For trying to escape many were zapped.

Others died because their energy was sapped, often taking a shivering nap without
even a blanket in which to wrap.

Story 19

A Behavioral Lapse

Under the church apse Sister Helga turned and said, "Young chaps, you ought

to have off your caps ! Now place them in your laps. I warn you, another
be•hav•ior•al lapse will get your face several slaps and perhaps your knuckles will

get as many raps."

And as it happened, Tyrone and Tyrell got their raps for talking about Pabst

and the art of shooting craps.

-13-