Martin Riehle

Square Dancing in Hell Martin Riehle

Normal children, with normal parents, experience normal problems. This is not one of those stories about what is normal. This tale is one that spins around children with an indomitable spirit and a grand sense of humor. Self-absorption, greed and an ingrained "mean streak" permeate the personas of their parents, Wilfy and Alby. The kids are bright and can read cruel intentions and self-deprecating demands with an incredible insight. The way in which they cope is a genuine hoot. It is hard to fault them in any way for their methods. They employ an arsenal of unique weapons to fight a war that has been perpetuated through the ages, albeit, with different soldiers, but none-the-less a war that is personal to many children. The story takes place from an adult perspective as the siblings reminisce about their childhoods at holiday gatherings. The memories evoke laughter while they are being recounted, but when the moment of their meaning sinks in, it leaves the participants with a sad regret. The only significant accomplishment during a lost childhood was a vengeful game of "booger, booger, who's got the booger," and also the realization that they were survivors. The vision of their departed parents lives on while imagining the dastardly duo, unforgiving and with the all too familiar twisted faces, Square Dancing in Hell.