the ku klux are here, vi.
there’s not a thing to stop them. we might as well join them.
why not?
they’re not low-down, like some folks say.
they’re good men,
100 percent american men.
and they might bring us some business.
viola says:
in texas, harvey,
those “good” men thought a certain fella was
keeping company with a married lady.
they had no proof of hanky-panky, harv.
they beat him, anyway,
held a pistol to his head,
said they’d kill him if he didn’t clear out.
harv, you don’t want to join a group like that.
but harvey says:
that’s just rumor.
they have parades, vi,
and picnics,
and speakers from all over.
wouldn’t you like that?
picnics and speakers?
viola washes up the dinner dishes,
her hands gloved in soapy water.
they do good, vi. they take care of their women.
and liquor can’t ever tear up a family with them around.
harvey examines a spot on one of the glasses.
shouldn’t we join, vi?
viola shakes her head slowly back and forth.
no, harv, viola says. i don’t think we should.