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Show 60 Dial-a-prayer and computerized preachers! Even the protestants have quit fighting the catholics . . ." Here Dyna paused and shared smiles with the audience. Then she placed her hands together in an attitude of prayer, whispering the last words: "Hey, man . . . hey, Jesus . . . Why don't you stop crying?" The old folks weren't sure if they should clap or not. It was like being in church and feeling a burst of applause coming on. Finally, the students began and the rest joined in. Before Parker knew it, the hour had passed and they'd all read their poems. The senior citizens had even sat still for Heidi's long parody and Tammy's poem in French. As Eccles took his applause, Parker pushed the "off" button on the tape recorder and simultaneously switched on the music which signaled the end of their program. Mrs. Simpson was beaming. They'd made it without a hitch. She was in teacher-heaven tonight, for sure! Immediately Parker began dismantling spots and rewinding tapes, letti.ng the rest of the kids mingle with the old people during refreshment time. Mrs. Simpson circulated, too, smiling endlessly, shaking hands and meeting people. Parker was feeling pretty proud himself. The kids in the class had really come through. Later, after everyone else was served, Parker noticed Mrs. Simpson trying to make her way to Dyna's table. Coffee in one hand and a folding chair in the other, she appeared to be stranded. Parker jumped up, leaving the mike for later, and threaded his way through the aisles to help her. Right in their path, a crusty old senior citizen had pulled Tammy down within ear shot. "There was a young lady from Kent," Parker heard him say, "whose youth was quite casually spent-" Parker and Simpson exchanged looks. They both broke out laughing. Finally, they got around the blockade and in to the table where Oscar and Gram had scooted apart to make room for Mrs. Simpson. "Thanks, Parker," she smiled at him. "Get something to eat now, you hear?" Eating was definitely next on his program! Parker had just loaded up with doughnuts and punch when he heard |