Ice Cream Truck

2010-05-15T20:58:00.008-05:00

On this perfect evening, weather-wise any way, I took my little dog out for a walk. We walked farther than usual because neither of us could get enough of the cool air and the feeling of fresh washed earth.

As we were heading back, I heard a gentle melody far in the distance. At first I wasn't sure I had really heard anything. As it came closer, I noticed the bell sounds were a song which had a "ring" of familiarity. As soon as the tune ended, it started again. Finally, I recognized what sounded like Bringing in the Sheaves combined with The Circus March.

I was reminded instantly what a happy feeling an ice cream truck creates. My excitement rose as it drove slowly behind me. His 10mph speed obviously was designed to give the potential customer fair warning it was coming and enough time for anyone to reach in their pocket or, especially, for little kids to run in their houses and beg for money.

When the dirty white truck pulled up next to me, I cringed because I didn't want to give the impression I was interested in ice cream. Maybe I should pay for the enjoyment of the musical moment but I couldn't even do that because I never carry any money on walks.

Then he was within my direct vision. I turned my head slightly, and what I saw chilled me. Smiling at me with a snaggle-tooth grin was a small, dirty man in khaki clothes.

How could such a happy moment change into fear and dread so quickly? The first
thing I imagined was a tv show where the ice cream man kidnaps and tortures his victim by closing her in a freezer. Or coaxes kids to get in his truck and they're never seen again.

It seemed like one minute before he got past me, but my relief was short-lived because I saw him slow his speed to naught. Over to my left about a half block away, I saw my grandson and his friend running alongside the truck.

I sped up my walk but this led the ice cream man to believe I was coming to bring money for his product. I motioned "No" to him yet he didn't start his truck. Why? I told him we were not interested. Didn't he understand? Then I realized his well-designed sales technique included giving the child time to beg and convince the adult they really needed that ice cream.

After he drove off, the two little boys said they wanted ice cream so much and asked me why didn't I buy them one. I reminded my grandson that I bought him a box of ice cream sandwiches at Krogers today. I told him he could get two for himself and the other boy.

"I don't want an ice cream out of our freezer! I want it out of the ice cream truck!" said the child.

I immediately understood why.

JKHart

Ice Cream Truck