Annual Check-Up

"Annual Check-Up." 3/1/13. Oil pastels. 5½x18".
“Annual Check-Up.” 3/1/13. Oil pastels. 5½x18″.

“I get a physical at least once a year. Not by design. It’s part of most places’ intake process.”

I don’t remember if I had this idea or if I just drew something that developed into a kid in a straight jacket and then added the caption after the fact. Either way, it’s silly but it’s not really a joke. The only check-ups I’ve had in years were all in treatment centers, mental wards, and methadone clinics.

—–

I’m still outta town, visiting a friend. Today, I met James; he’s seven years old and really great at Mad Libs. For example:

Yesterday my friend Poop and I walked across town to see Santa at our local poop store. But there was a long line of kids waiting to poop with Santa. As expected, he was a big, round poop who wore a bright red poop. Whenever a little kid came up to him, Santa would sit the child on his poop and ask, “Have you been a good little poop this year?”

James has been lucky to find his niche early in life and I admire his confidence in ignoring his detractors and refusing to deviate or stray from his vision. He knows what works and he delivers.

Say somethin'.