Dabbs Greer by Mick Cochrane

Dabbs Greer

Who would play you in the movie
version of your life? A stupid question
I love to ask. My brother-in-law, a quiet
Minnesota man I’m always trying to draw
out, doesn’t hesitate. “Dabbs Greer,” he says.
Sixty years of supporting roles: Dabbs played
Angry Man, Impatient Postal Customer, Stoolie,
Tutor, Bus Driver, Night Elevator Operator, Seldom
Seen Slim, Motel Manager, Sheriff, Minister,
Parole Officer, Stoner, and Robbed Man.
Clair will earn no residuals for his performance
this season. He plays the guy who rubs his sick
wife’s feet. He appears several times a week as Waiting
Room Man and Chemo Companion. Today he’s driver
and dishwasher, guy who write checks and waits
on hold with an insurance provider. Late at night,
he plays anxious man in a recliner, solitaire fiend,
worried man who hums a worried song, cold
pizza and Diet Coke guy, maker of lists, reciter
of childish prayers to a God who never answers.
He says yes to every role, always shows up
on time and requires no direction. Doesn’t need
Stanislavsky to tell him. There are no small parts.

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Mick Cochrane lives in Buffalo, NY, and teaches writing at Canisius University. He is the author of four novels and has published poems and stories in THE SUN, FIVE POINTS, CINCINNATI REVIEW, HIRAM POETRY REVIEW, and elsewhere.