(MUSIC)
TR (ANNC): Barb and I ---- our marriage seems to just get closer as the years go by and I am grateful for that, especially in times of crisis, such as late Wednesday night....
(NIGHTTIME AMBIENCE. CRICKETS)
SS: Jim? Is something wrong? It's three o'clock in the morning and you're sitting here on the porch in your pajamas.
TR: I couldn't sleep, Barb.
SS: What's on your mind?
TR: The problem of evil, Barb. If God is all-powerful, why does he tolerate evil and suffering in the world? And also why did he let me put so much of my IRA account into mutual funds ---- and let me purchase a sport utility vehicle.
SS: There are so many other satisfactions in life, Jim. Our children. Each other.
TR: I know ----- and yet, I can't believe I purchased this hog of a car. Four-wheel drive. Why? What was I thinking?
SS: The richness of our commitment to each other --- the unqualified acceptance and love we give each other while still allowing each other complete freedom ---- shouldn't this outweigh regret over an ill-informed purchasing decision?
TR: You're right, Barb. It should---- and yet ---- why would an omnipotent loving God have allowed me to do this?
SS: It may not be so complicated as that, Jim.
TR: No?
SS: I was reading an interesting article in Tomato magazine, Jim.
TR: What did it say?
SS: It said that very simple foods that sometimes we take for granted may have a profound effect on our feelings.
TR: You mean------?
SS: I fixed you a bedtime snack, Jim. Crackers and ketchup.
TR: Ketchup. (CRUNCH) It's like hearing from an old friend, isn't it.
SS: We were young. We felt we had to try new condiments. And we did. But maybe it's time we came back.
TR: I can't believe how good it is. Just ketchup. It's so---- warm and ---- so rich.
SS: Just like our life together, Jim. (MUSIC BUILD BEGINS)
RD (SINGS): These are the good years, in the golden sun,
A new day is dawning, a new life has begun,
The river flowing like ketchup on a bun.
GK: Ketchup....for the good times.
RD (SINGS): Ketchup.....
(c) 1998 by Garrison Keillor