My Father

Tall, strong, angry.

A story told in the family:

He had been a teacher at Queens Vocational High School. Art. Radio.

Two tough kids were placed into his class.

They kept talking after he had told them to stop.

He punched one in the stomach. Bounced the other kid's head against the table.

My father was called down to the principal's office.

The principal opened his wallet and gave my father a $10 bill.