CHAPTER IV

Crumbs To Crowns

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When victory is imminent, spirits dance.

There is a feeling deep in your soul when you know invincibility. Oh, I know the saying goes, "It ain't over 'til it's over", but haven't you ever touched the future? Haven't you ever encountered a confidence that had fulfillment as a precursor? Haven't you ever understood what it feels like to be Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King or Sir Edmund Hillary? While waiting for the final Showcase Showdown, I entered that hallowed hall of prescience; I felt that moment of triumph as a gentle, smiling breeze. I just didn't have the heart to tell everyone else to go home, that it was over, that the continuation of the program was just a contractual formality. No nervousness to discourage me; no bead of sweat to expose me, no rush of anxiety to dishevel me. It was time to strike the final blow and to clear the field of the last aggressor. Just before I and the young man who faced me were placed at the podium, the stage manager asked each of us to point out the people who would run onto the stage to join the victor at the winning moment. I indicated my NOISE/FUNK compatriots, who had been the purveyors of all the emotion that I didn't exhibit. I looked over at Tyrone, Tania and her sister and they were wound up like overwrought springs. Now, the moment had arrived. Cory and I were placed at the stand and since I was the top winner between us, the first showcase was presented to me. At first, were 38 vintage videotaped movies, then, the largest home food processor I ever saw, followed by a set of designer luggage. While the calculator was clicking in my head, out rolled the big prize; a 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z-34 Coupe. God is so good! See, before going out on tour with NOISE/FUNK, I had to dispose of my beloved 1982 Subaru station wagon. It still was running fairly well and I just couldn't junk it, (nor could I give it to any of my kinfolk, who likely would have crashed it) so I donated it to a charity. Now, here I am, looking at its hopeful replacement. I bid $19,875.00. Cory's showcase included a dining room set with china and flatware, along with a trip to Japan. He bid $11, 250.00. Once again, the air became thick with anticipation as a final commercial was shown. When we returned, the actual prices finally were revealed. My bid was $4,032.00 short of the exact price. I raised an eyebrow, feeling that I had possibly left the door open for an upset. How could fate suddenly turn on me, after wining and dining my soul for the past half hour? I looked at Cory and watched the resignation in his face as his bid fell short by $1,048.00 more than mine. You do the math. I did the dance. I raised my arms in consummate conquest. My cohorts dashed onto the stage and rubbed me as a good luck charm. I walked over to my new car and did a little, "Ali Shuffle". The music blared, the audience roared. What a wonderful ending to an interminable day! Ah, but the day was not over! All of the participants were ushered into a back room where we were issued forms and disclaimers. Amid all of the congratulations and well wishing, we were about to be reminded that, win or lose, one thing always is certain:

Nothing in life is free!